United States
191 Turtles & Tortoises Found at North Texas FedEx Office
A local FedEx office contacted the animal shelter after discovering an attempted shipment containing 191 turtles and tortoises. The shelter took the animals into custody and notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which launched an investigation. The animals were later transferred to the Dallas Zoo, where they are now housed.
Read moreTwo Arrested in Years-Long Scheme to Smuggle Protected Reptiles Across U.S.-Mexico Border
Two people have been charged with federal wildlife trafficking offenses after authorities uncovered an alleged years-long scheme to smuggle protected reptiles between the United States and Mexico. Georgina Bribiesca Chavez of Tijuana was arrested at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in August, while her alleged partner, Salvador Pelayo of Chula Vista, was arrested in July. Both have pleaded not guilty. After Chavez was detained, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers searched her vehicle and discovered a hidden compartment containing 69 live reptiles sealed inside taped pillowcases. The animals included 60 abronia lizards, four venomous yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, three caimans, a baby crocodile, and an indigo snake. The animals had reportedly been left inside the vehicle for nearly 24 hours in the August heat; all three caimans died before receiving veterinary care. The arrests followed an approximately 18-month undercover investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The pair face charges under the Lacey Act, which carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The investigation remains ongoing, with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Read moreUSFWS Seizes Live Ants Illegally Imported in New York
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated forfeiture proceedings against a shipment of live ants seized in Jamaica, New York, after authorities determined that the shipment violated federal import requirements. The seizure, made on August 8, 2026, included multiple species of live ants, including Camponotus maculatus, Camponotus vagus, Crematogaster scutellaris, and Crematogaster schmidti. In total, 120 live ants were seized.
Authorities allege the shipment was imported without the required wildlife declaration, permits, and advance notification. The shipment also allegedly violated U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations governing the importation of plant pests and associated organisms. The case remains subject to federal forfeiture proceedings.
USFWS Seizes 70 Live and Dead Turtles in Chicago
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated forfeiture proceedings against wildlife and wildlife products seized in Chicago after authorities determined they were imported in violation of federal law. The alleged violations include failing to declare wildlife shipments, importing or trading CITES-protected species without required documentation, submitting false or fraudulent customs information, and failing to provide advance notice for live or perishable wildlife shipments. The case remains subject to federal forfeiture proceedings.
Read moreUSFWS Seizes 3 kg of Iguana Meat in Miami
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated forfeiture proceedings against three kilograms of iguana meat seized in Miami, Florida, on May 18, 2026. Authorities allege the shipment violated federal wildlife laws governing the international trade of CITES-protected species, as well as requirements for wildlife declarations and the use of designated ports. The case remains subject to federal forfeiture proceedings.
Read more40 Shark Fins Seized From Private Jet in California
California wildlife officials seized 40 suspected shark fins from a private jet arriving in the state from Hawaii. California has prohibited the possession, sale, trade, and distribution of shark fins since 2013 under Assembly Bill 376. The law was upheld by a federal appeals court in 2015. Shark finning—the practice of removing a shark’s fins and discarding the animal—is also prohibited under federal law and has been linked to population declines and threats to marine ecosystems.The investigation remains ongoing, and the case has been referred to the appropriate district attorney’s office. Officials are working to determine the source of the fins and whether the shipment was connected to a larger wildlife trafficking network.
Read moreUSFWS Seizes 190 Live Insect Eggs in Kentucky
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated forfeiture proceedings against nearly 400 live insect eggs seized in Erlanger, Kentucky, after determining that the shipment violated federal import regulations. The seizure included 161 Achrioptera manga eggs and 29 Extatosoma tiaratum eggs, seized on March 23, 2026. Authorities allege the shipment was imported without the required importer/exporter license, wildlife declarations, designated-port authorization, and advance notification. The shipment also allegedly violated U.S. law because the wildlife was imported without permits required under Indonesian regulations governing the international trade of wildlife. The case remains subject to federal forfeiture proceedings.
Read moreUSFWS Seizes Illegally Imported Stony Coral and Shells in Honolulu
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated forfeiture proceedings against 170 grams of dead stony coral seized in Honolulu, Hawaii, on February 5, 2026. The shipment contained one piece of stony coral with three attached shells and a separate coral fragment. Authorities allege the specimens were imported without the required wildlife declaration and in violation of federal regulations governing the international trade of CITES-listed species. The case remains subject to federal forfeiture proceedings.
Read moreMexico
Spider Monkey Rescued During Search in Apatzingán, Michoacán
Mexican state and federal authorities rescued an approximately eight-year-old spider monkey during a judicial search of a residence in the Palo Alto neighborhood of Apatzingán, Michoacán, on September 23, 2026. The operation involved the State Security Secretariat, National Defense, National Guard, and State Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities transferred the animal to Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), which will conduct medical and behavioral evaluations and determine an appropriate long-term placement, potentially at a specialized sanctuary or wildlife management facility. Spider monkeys are considered endangered in Mexico, and their possession, commercialization, or keeping as pets is prohibited under Mexican environmental regulations. Authorities emphasized that illegal wildlife trafficking and possession threaten biodiversity and encouraged the public to report suspected cases.
Read morePROFEPA Seizes 75 Tarantulas and 20 Turtles Being Transported by Bus in Chihuahua
Mexican authorities seized 95 protected reptiles and arrested two people after discovering the animals being transported on a passenger bus near Samalayuca. The seizure included 75 red-legged tarantulas and 20 Mexican river turtles. According to Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the animals were transported in plastic crates and bags without documentation proving their legal origin. Both species are protected under Mexican law and listed under Appendix II of CITES, which regulates international trade in species that could become threatened if trade is not controlled. The animals were transferred to a veterinary clinic, where they will remain while authorities determine an appropriate destination. The two suspects were turned over to federal prosecutors.
Read morePROFEPA Seizes Two Bengal Tigers in Mazatlán, Sinaloa
Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) seized two Bengal tigers from a residence in El Bajío, Mazatlán, following a wildlife report from the Mexican Navy. During an inspection, officials found an adult male and juvenile female tiger in apparently good health. The property lacked the required registration with Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and did not have an approved management plan for the animals. As a precautionary measure, Profepa seized the tigers, which remain at the property under official custody while authorities investigate and determine an appropriate location for their relocation.
Read moreThe Navy, the Attorney General's Office, and the Public Security Secretariat Seized Five Properties and More Than 130 Exotic Animals in Tamaulipas.
Mexican authorities seized 135 exotic animals during raids targeting the illicit hydrocarbon trade in Tampico and Altamira, Tamaulipas. At a ranch, authorities found five Bengal tigers, three jaguars, a liger, 21 spider monkeys, two hyenas, three African lions, bison, sulcata tortoises, buffalo, and a camel. At least 35 of the animals are protected under Mexico’s NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, including jaguars, spider monkeys, an ocelot, a green macaw, and American bison. Several species, including Bengal tigers, African lions, and sulcata tortoises, are also regulated under CITES. The animals were placed under the care of PROFEPA for evaluation and specialized care. Authorities also seized approximately 68,000 liters of diesel and other equipment allegedly connected to the illegal storage and handling of hydrocarbons. One person was arrested and the properties were placed under government custody.
Read moreGuatemala
Two Men Caught with Weapons and Wild Animal Meat in Laguna del Tigre
Guatemalan authorities arrested two men in Laguna del Tigre National Park, Petén, during an operation targeting suspected wildlife and environmental offenses. Officers seized a rifle, shotgun, chainsaw, and a container of wild animal meat believed to be from a coati. The men are under investigation for possible involvement in the illegal hunting and destruction of wildlife and vegetation within the protected area.
Read moreHonduras
White-faced Monkey Rescued from Illegal Possession
Authorities in Honduras rescued a white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus capucinus) that was being illegally kept in the municipality of San José de Colinas, Santa Bárbara. The monkey was placed under veterinary care for evaluation and will undergo rehabilitation with the goal of eventually returning it to the wild. Authorities emphasized that keeping wild animals as pets or possessing them without authorization is illegal and can seriously harm wildlife, and urged the public to report suspected cases of illegal wildlife possession.
Read moreCosta Rica
Following a Raid by the Environmental Prosecutor's Office: Wild Animals and 14 Roosters Allegedly Used in Fights are Rescued
Costa Rican authorities seized dozens of wild animals and suspected turtle products during a raid in Limón. The operation, led by the Environmental Prosecutor’s Office with support from the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), SINAC, and SENASA, resulted in the rescue of 38 tepezcuintles, five agoutis, and 14 roosters allegedly intended for cockfighting. The animals were transferred to a rescue center for evaluation. Authorities also found 126 suspected turtle eggs, bags of suspected turtle meat, and other wildlife remains. Eight dead tepezcuintles and three agoutis were discovered inside a pipe. The investigation reportedly began after authorities received information that a man surnamed Vega was allegedly using a ceviche business to sell wildlife products through WhatsApp. Authorities believe he offered wild game and related products for approximately 15,000 colones per kilogram. The investigation remains ongoing.
Read morePanama
Container with 109 Sacks of Shark Fins Destined for Malaysia Detained in Manzanillo Port
Panamanian authorities detained a shipment containing 109 sacks of shark fins at the Port of Manzanillo after the cargo was allegedly misdeclared as “fish swim bladder.” The shipment was bound for Malaysia. Authorities are conducting a taxonomic examination to identify the shark species and determine whether any are protected under CITES. Panama maintains a zero quota for the international trade of shark species listed under CITES, making their extraction, transport, and trade subject to strict regulations. The shipment remains under investigation, and the case will be referred to Panama’s environmental prosecutors to determine potential criminal and administrative violations. Authorities said the seizure underscores ongoing efforts to combat the illegal trade of protected shark species.
Read moreNicaragua
MARENA Seizes 13 Wild Animals at Estelí Bus Terminal
Nicaragua’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARENA) seized 13 wild animals being transported on a bus from Managua to Estelí, where authorities suspected they were intended for illegal sale. The operation, conducted with the National Police on July 26, resulted in the rescue of two white-faced capuchin monkeys, two scarlet macaws, two parrots, three iguanas, and four Castilla pigeons. The animals were being transported in a basket and sack under conditions that compromised their welfare. The animals are being held by MARENA and are expected to receive veterinary care and rehabilitation at the National Zoo before authorities assess whether they can be returned to the wild. Officials also warned that wildlife traffickers increasingly use social media to advertise and sell wild animals, and said repeat offenders could face fines and legal proceedings.
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