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officials reported around two dozen dead ducks at the lake seven weeks ago and some passersby said they noticed three to four carcasses around the lake in early August.

The majority of ducks died in a 2-1/2 week period; at the time, village officials said they did not know why they appeared to be dying and in a drunken state.

Village Mayor Ralph Scordino said the problem may have been exacerbated by people feeding ducks.

"They have to stop [feeding them] and they don't understand that they do more damage feeding the ducks, especially in the summertime," Scordino said. "A lot of these birds are migratory birds, and if they find easy feed, they stay in one location."

Botulism typically arises during hot temperatures. The bacteria that produces the botulism toxin can be found in dead fish or other dead animals or old bread. Birds typically are paralyzed, causing them to drown. Also, when water levels drop during a period of extreme heat, the lake is more prone to botulism.

Aphrodite Montalvo, a spokeswoman for the DEC said the removal of dead birds usually kills the bacteria that causes botulism and ends the cycle.