SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — An undercover investigation into unlawful wildlife trafficking in Northern California led to 5 folks from the Bay Space being charged, the California Division of Wildlife introduced Wednesday. Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been seized in the course of the operation.
CDFW wildlife officers uncovered a community of wildlife trafficking that was concerned within the unlawful gross sales of venomous snakes, officers mentioned. Just lately, a “significant” sting operation led to the seizure of 75 animals.
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Of the animals seized, 66 had been dwell venomous snakes, together with Gaboon viper, Egyptian cobra and several other species of rattlesnakes, CDFW mentioned.
California wildlife officers labored with the Wildlife Confiscation Community to switch most of the seized animals to the Fresno, Denver and Toledo zoos, in addition to different respected amenities. “They will now serve as ambassadors in raising awareness about the impacts of wildlife trafficking,” CDFW mentioned.
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
Dozens of dwell venomous snakes had been not too long ago seized throughout an unlawful wildlife trafficking sting operation in Northern California, the California Division of Fish and Wildlife introduced Jan. 29, 2025. (Picture: CDFW)
The 5 people who face fees for a spread of violations in connection to the wildlife trafficking investigation are all from the Bay Space, officers confirmed to KRON4.
“Snakes play a crucial role as both predator and prey,” CDFW mentioned, however famous that non-native venomous reptiles threaten California’s ecosystems and public security. “It’s essential to stay vigilant.”
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Unlawful wildlife exercise might be reported anonymously to CDFW by the CalTIP hotline at 888-334-2258 or through the Tip411 app.
