Snake, Turtle Poachers Nabbed
An undercover investigation into poaching and illegal sales of New York's native turtles, snakes and salamanders has led to charges against 25 people – including six from Pennsylvania.
Eighteen people were charged by New York state officials and one under Canadian law.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials say "Operation Shellshock" uncovered an international black market for poaching and selling native, protected New York species through the Internet and at herpetological shows,
More than 2,400 individual turtles, snakes and salamanders were involved in the documented crimes, with DEC currently holding nearly 400 live animals in evidence.
Commissioner Pete Grannis says, "A very lucrative illegal market for these creatures does exist, fostered by a strong, clandestine culture of people who want to exploit wildlife for illegal profit."
For more, visit the NY DEC.
Eighteen people were charged by New York state officials and one under Canadian law.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation officials say "Operation Shellshock" uncovered an international black market for poaching and selling native, protected New York species through the Internet and at herpetological shows,
More than 2,400 individual turtles, snakes and salamanders were involved in the documented crimes, with DEC currently holding nearly 400 live animals in evidence.
Commissioner Pete Grannis says, "A very lucrative illegal market for these creatures does exist, fostered by a strong, clandestine culture of people who want to exploit wildlife for illegal profit."
For more, visit the NY DEC.
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