30-01-2025
5 Bay Area residents charged in illegal wildlife trafficking sting
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — An undercover investigation into illegal wildlife trafficking in Northern California led to five people from the Bay Area being charged, the California Department of Wildlife announced Wednesday. Dozens of live venomous snakes were seized during the operation.
CDFW wildlife officers uncovered a network of wildlife trafficking that was involved in the illegal sales of venomous snakes, officials said. Recently, a 'significant' sting operation led to the seizure of 75 animals.
Of the animals seized, 66 were live venomous snakes, including Gaboon viper, Egyptian cobra and several species of rattlesnakes, CDFW said.
California wildlife officials worked with the Wildlife Confiscation Network to transfer many of the seized animals to the Fresno, Denver and Toledo zoos, as well as other reputable facilities. 'They will now serve as ambassadors in raising awareness about the impacts of wildlife trafficking,' CDFW said.
The five individuals who face charges for a range of violations in connection to the wildlife trafficking investigation are all from the Bay Area, officials confirmed to KRON4.
'Snakes play a crucial role as both predator and prey,' CDFW said, but noted that non-native venomous reptiles threaten California's ecosystems and public safety. 'It's essential to stay vigilant.'
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Illegal wildlife activity can be reported anonymously to CDFW through the CalTIP hotline at 888-334-2258 or via the Tip411 app.
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