Latest news with #USFishAndWildlifeService
New York Times
2 days ago
- New York Times
Man Who Tried to Export 850 Turtles Hidden in Socks Pleads Guilty
A man in Brooklyn pleaded guilty on Monday to attempting to export around 850 turtles, worth about $1.4 million, by wrapping them in socks or diapers and labeling them 'plastic animal toys,' the authorities said. The man, Wei Qiang Lin, of China, began exporting the turtles to Hong Kong in August 2023, and over the next 15 months tried to export 222 packages containing the live creatures, according to the Department of Justice. He also tried to ship other animals, including lizards and venomous snakes, the authorities said. Mr. Lin's turtle trade was exposed in the fall of 2023 after an undercover agent for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service coordinated the sale of turtles with him through Facebook and Mr. Lin shipped them, according to a criminal complaint. He faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 on a charge related to illegal animal trafficking. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 23. A lawyer for Mr. Lin did not immediately return a request for comment. According to prosecutors, after the authorities discovered Mr. Lin's trade, they tailed him for months, intercepting packages he sent that were labeled 'gift,' 'sweater' or 'ladies skirt,' but which instead contained turtles that were bound and taped inside knotted socks or diapers and smeared with minty 'toothpaste-like' substances to throw off detection dogs. Mr. Lin exported largely Eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, which are native to the United States, the authorities said. The creatures, which can reach up to half a foot long and live for up to a century, have colorful markings that make them desirable to collectors, particularly in parts of Asia where they can sell for $2,000, or up to $20,000 if they have rare markings. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Officials thrilled as rare 'heartleaf' plant makes comeback from brink of extinction — here are the details
Officials thrilled as rare 'heartleaf' plant makes comeback from brink of extinction — here are the details It's good to finally experience a breath of fresh air amid the proliferation of terrible news reports in a seemingly endless cycle. One example is the conservation success story of the dwarf-flowered heartleaf, which was on the federal list of endangered and threatened plants. In July, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the plant was removed from the list after a recovery from 24 known populations in 1989 to 119 populations this year, according to Queen City News. The dwarf-flowered heartleaf now spans 13 counties in North and South Carolina, thanks to decades of collaborative efforts. Speaking of collaboration, Duke Energy, Broad River Greenway, the Cowpens National Battlefield, The Nature Conservancy, and the Foothills Conservancy all played roles in returning the heartleaf to its former glory, per Queen City News. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 28 of the 119 known populations contain more than 1,000 plants. However, there are still some areas of concern. For instance, delisting this plant could streamline development projects that previously required modifications. How effectively the delisting will streamline land use remains to be seen. While it's a boon to the environment in terms of celebration and proof of what collaborative efforts can achieve, it doesn't solve the overriding issues of land use unless local monitoring and protections remain. Vigilance is as much of an ongoing effort as revitalization. That's not to say that cautious optimism shouldn't remain; however, there are at least 26 federally listed endangered or threatened plant species in North Carolina, and 21 in South Carolina. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists 1,678 in the U.S., and estimates roughly 26,276 throughout the world. That's just plants, not including animals. It's fantastic to hear positive news on the dwarf-flowered heartleaf, but there's still a long way to go. Fortunately, standard protocol indicates the heartleaf will remain monitored for the next five years, so we shall see how things proceed from here. In short, the struggle to preserve and revitalize endangered and threatened plant or animal species continues, and one success is not the end of this story. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Fast Company
07-08-2025
- General
- Fast Company
August full moon tonight? The ‘Sturgeon Moon' is coming: Here's when to see it—and what it means for the Perseid meteor shower
There's something fishy going on in the sky this week, but don't worry—it doesn't smell like when your coworker heats up their leftover tilapia in the communal microwave. Instead, it's a feast for the eyes: The full moon will be on display this Saturday, August 9. This moon is also known as the Sturgeon Moon. Let's bait our hooks with the meaning behind this name, as well as some aquatic facts, before we catch the knowledge of how best to see it. (There's even some night-time drama.) Why is August's full moon called the Sturgeon Moon? Over time each full moon picked up cute nicknames which were popularized by The Old Farmer's Almanac. These monikers were influenced by Native American, colonial, and European cultures. The Sturgeon Full Moon is inspired by the abundance of the giant lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during the month of August which was a major food source for the Native American tribes in the regions. Sadly, overfishing and environmental issues have greatly decreased the numbers of these freshwater fish. Are lake sturgeons still threatened? Thankfully conservation efforts such as stocking programs and restoring habitat connections have increased the number of these prehistoric looking creatures. In 2024 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded they did not need to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Despite its name, lake sturgeons can be found from the Hudson Bay to the Mississippi River. They eat small invertebrates, like crayfish, snails, and leeches. These fish are known for their ability to live long and prosperous lives. Males can reach 55 years old and females have been recorded at 150 years old. During those long years, lake sturgeons can reach six and a half feet and 200 pounds. It is easy to see why Native American tribes valued them as a food source. What is the best time to see the August 2025 full moon? To see the full moon the sturgeon inspired, you might have to stay up late or get up early. It reaches peak illumination on Saturday, August 9, at 3:55 a.m. ET. If losing out on sleep isn't your jam, it will appear full on Friday night to the naked eye. What else is going on in the sky this month? The light from the Sturgeon Full Moon will actually interfere with another celestial phenomenon. The Perseid Meteor Shower began on July 14 and will continue until September 1. This annual summer event occurs when the Earth travels through the debris of Comet Swift-Tuttle. Its peak comes on August 12-13 which means the moon will still be pretty bright, washing out some of the fainter meteors according to NASA. Because of this the space agency suggests holding out for the Geminids meteor shower instead which occurs in December. So this August, let's hear it for the Sturgeon moon, even if it upstages the meteors.
CTV News
04-08-2025
- General
- CTV News
Denmark zoo asks people to donate their small pets as food for captive predators
This undated photo provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows a cottontail rabbit. (AP /U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Linda Cullivan) COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A zoo in Denmark is asking for donations of small pets as food for its predators. The Aalborg zoo said it is trying to mimic the natural food chain of the animals housed there 'for the sake of both animal welfare and professional integrity' and offers assurances the pets will be 'gently euthanized' by trained staff. The zoo in northern Denmark explained in a Facebook post that 'if you have a healthy animal that needs to be given away for various reasons, feel free to donate it to us.' The zoo points to guinea pigs, rabbits and chickens as possible donations. After being euthanized, the animals will be used as fodder, the zoo said. 'That way, nothing goes to waste — and we ensure natural behaviour, nutrition and well-being of our predators,' the zoo said. The online call for pet donations is accompanied by a picture of a wildcat baring its teeth with its mouth wide open and a link to the zoo's website, noting the facility also is interested in receiving horses. The zoo, which could not immediately be reached for additional details, does not list other pets or animals as possible donations. The Associated Press
The Independent
30-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Brave squirrel fights off rattlesnake in dramatic caught-on-camera battle
A dramatic face-off between a squirrel and a rattlesnake at a California wildlife refuge has gone viral after being caught on camera. The showdown happened at the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge where it was filmed by Sally Brown of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In the footage, the California ground squirrel can be seen using anti-snake tactics such as tossing debris at the southern Pacific rattlesnake to ward it off. According to Brown, while the rattler lunged at the squirrel it did not pursue because it was likely too full from a recent meal.
