Greene County

Looks like the Greene County village of Coxsackie is seeking a better claim to fame than "that place that got a nasty virus named after it": The village police force may soon be the subject of a reality show.

Last month, the Daily Mail reports, film crews were in Coxsackie to film the pilot for a show tentatively dubbed "Comedy Cops." Daily Mail reporter Melanie Lekocevic writes that the cameras are in town thanks to a fresh rookie on the village police force, 52-year-old John Mulrooney.

Producers Joel Raatz and Alex Landolina brought their crew to town to interview police officers and local officials. The idea for the show was inspired by the recent hire by the Coxsackie Police Department of 52-year-old rookie John Mulrooney, who also happens to be a veteran of another sort - Mulrooney is a nationally recognized comedian.  Read more

Photo of bobcat by Flickr user ucumari. Published under Creative Commons license.

New York's bobcat population is growing, says the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The elusive cats, found mostly in the Catskill, Taconic and Adirondack mountains in the state, are increasingly moving into central and western New York.

The DEC thinks the state's growing bobcat population can sustain an expanded hunting season. The agency is considering allowing bobcat hunting in territory where it is currently off-limits, and in some places extending the season. The AP reports:

Trappers and hunters have killed about 400 to 500 bobcats a year in recent years. Some bobcats are stuffed by taxidermists, but most are killed for their pelts, which sell for $50 to $200.

DEC estimates that fewer than 100 additional bobcats a year will be killed if its plan takes effect.  Read more

Greene County landscape by Flickr user Gail Dedrick. Used under Creative Commons license.

Thanks to anonymous donors, 25 acres of land has been donated to the Wildlife Land Trust, part of the Humane Society of the United States.  The land, which will now be known as the Ponderosa Wildlife Sanctuary, contains several fragile ecosystems, according to the WLT.

The Ponderosa Wildlife Sanctuary contains both natural forests and wetland areas.  The woods are primarily northern hardwoods, such as pine, oak and hemlock.  The wetlands, which are state regulated freshwater wetlands, occupy approximately 3 acres of the property and are connected to a series of adjacent wetlands. These wetlands hold unparalleled value as wildlife habitat and the perpetuation of scores of species depends on them. There is also a 1-2 acre man-made pond that provides vital water for wildlife.  Read more