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Endangered Species

2 Penguin Chicks Born At Mystic Aquarium: Part Of Effort To Protect Endangered Species 2 Penguin Chicks Born At Mystic Aquarium: Part Of Effort To Protect Endangered Species
2 Penguin Chicks Born At Mystic Aquarium: Part Of Effort To Protect Endangered Species As part of a careful plan to ensure the future of a critically endangered species, a beloved Connecticut aquarium has announced the birth of two adorable penguin chicks.  New London County's Mystic Aquarium announced the birth of the two African penguin chicks on Monday, March 25, adding that the "fluffy additions" were part of the Species Survival Plan to ensure the species' survival and wellbeing.  The first of the chicks hatched on Wednesday, Feb. 28, and has since grown to a healthy weight of 1.5 kilograms. Meanwhile, the second chick was born on Saturday, March 2 weighing 1.3…
Rare 3-Year-Old Whale Found Dead On Martha’s Vineyard Rare 3-Year-Old Whale Found Dead On Martha’s Vineyard
Rare 3-Year-Old Whale Found Dead On Martha’s Vineyard A North Atlantic right whale, part of the world’s most endangered large whale species, was found dead on Martha’s Vineyard, experts said. The 3-year-old female whale was found trapped in a rope on Sunday, Jan. 28, near Joseph Sylvia State Beach in Edgartown, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “State law enforcement officials collected some of the rope that was entangled around, and embedded in, the whale’s tail,” NOAA Fisheries said in a statement. “They turned it over to NOAA’s Office Law Enforcement.” Related: Rare Sighting: 4 Killer Whales See…
Butterfly Smuggler Shipped $200K Of Wildlife In And Out Of Commack: Authorities Butterfly Smuggler Shipped $200K Of Wildlife In And Out Of Commack: Authorities
Butterfly Smuggler Shipped $200K Of Wildlife In And Out Of Commack: Authorities A Long Island man has been indicted on accusations that he covered up illegal shipments of over 1,000 insects, moths, and endangered butterflies, authorities said. On Tuesday, Oct. 10, 75-year-old Charles Limmer of Commack was charged on six counts for his alleged wildlife smuggling, including dead specimens of a protected butterfly species, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Limmer was the operator of a commercial business specializing in importing, exporting, buying, and selling wildlife. He had a license to do so from the US Fish and Wildlife Se…
Rare Endangered Plant Found Growing In Berkshire County For First Time Rare Endangered Plant Found Growing In Berkshire County For First Time
Rare Endangered Plant Found Growing In Berkshire County For First Time Botanists rejoice. A plant that has never been seen in Massachusetts before was spotted growing in Berkshire County. Meet the pine-drops plant.  Amateur botanist Syke van der Laan discovered while hiking in the Berkshires recently. He wasn't sure what it was but realized its significance and alerted the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, who were thrilled at the find.  “The discovery of a new native plant here in Massachusetts is extraordinary,”  said MassWildlife’s State Botanist Robert Wernerehl. “We have more active professional botanists per square mil…
Russian Animal DNA Smuggler Admits To Attempting To Sneak Vials Through Dulles Airport Russian Animal DNA Smuggler Admits To Attempting To Sneak Vials Through Dulles Airport
Russian Animal DNA Smuggler Admits To Attempting To Sneak Vials Through Dulles Airport A Russian national living in Virginia who attempted to bring a curious package through Washington Dulles International Airport could face decades behind bars. Polina Perelman, who lives in Leesburg, pleaded guilty this week to smuggling animal DNA into the US after she was busted attempting to slip small vials past airport security in a conspicuous package. Prosecutors say that on Aug. 19, 2022, Perelman failed to declare that she was importing any animals, animal products, or cell cultures, despite traveling with a Styrofoam cooler labeled “Research Samples.” Inside the cooler were 19 sm…
174-Acre Wilderness That Includes 'Great Swamp' To Be Protected In  Patterson 174-Acre Wilderness That Includes 'Great Swamp' To Be Protected In  Patterson
174-Acre Wilderness That Includes 'Great Swamp' To Be Protected In Patterson A 174-acre parcel of conserved open space in the Hudson Valley will now be permanently protected. The Putnam County property, contained in Patterson, is located next to the already-protected Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area and includes ecologically important habitat and rare plants, the Westchester Land Trust announced.  One of these habitats is the 6,000-acre "Great Swamp," which is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the state and serves as an important water source for New York City's water supply, according to the Westchester Land Trust, which now owns the propert…
Nassau Shark Incident Being Investigated For Possible Federal Violations Nassau Shark Incident Being Investigated For Possible Federal Violations
Nassau Shark Incident Being Investigated For Possible Federal Violations A fisherman in New York could face federal charges after being caught with a thresher shark, which is vulnerable to extinction and requires a special permit to fish for. On Tuesday, June 14 on Long Island, the state department of Environmental Conservation conducted a boat patrol of Jones Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean in Nassau County.  Throughout the day, state officers conducted multiple recreational and commercial fishing checks of American lobster, black sea bass, summer flounder, bluefin tuna, and thresher shark, the department said. Officers issued tickets for undersized sum…
Five New Tiger Cubs Born At Six Flags Wild Safari Five New Tiger Cubs Born At Six Flags Wild Safari
Five New Tiger Cubs Born At Six Flags Wild Safari Siberian tiger Nadya gave birth to an extremely rare litter of five furry cubs at Six Flags Wild Safari. While most tiger births range from two to four cubs, this uncommon birth is also significant because as an endangered species, Nadya’s litter is equivalent to 1 percent of the world’s wild Siberian tiger population, park officials said. Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, are critically endangered with an estimated wild population of only 500 due to poaching, hunting and habitat loss. As the largest cats in the world, they average 11 feet long with a three-foot tail. Despite orig…
It's Illegal To Sell Or Own Alligators Without Permit, DA Says It's Illegal To Sell Or Own Alligators Without Permit, DA Says
It's Illegal To Sell Or Own Alligators Without Permit, DA Says The prosecution of a person for selling dwarf alligators as baby alligators has authorities reminding residents it's illegal to own or sell the reptiles without a permit. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler commended the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police for their enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of wild animals in Orange County, and all of New York State.  In one recent matter, an individual was prosecuted for the sale of wild animals for selling juvenile alligators, which were being sold as “dwarf alligators," the …
Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Shark Trafficking Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Shark Trafficking
Hudson Valley Man Convicted Of Shark Trafficking The tide has turned on a Hudson Valley man who was convicted of shark trafficking protected species that he kept in his pool with the intent to sell, the Attorney General announced. Dutchess County resident Joshua Seguine, age 40, of Lagrangeville, pleaded guilty to illegal commercialization of fish, shellfish, crustaceans, and wildlife, for the illegal possession with intent to sell seven sandbar sharks, a protected species under New York law New York AG Letitia James and the New York State Department of Environmental Conversation Commissioner (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that…
Protecting Endangered Whales May Increase Lobster, Crab Prices Protecting Endangered Whales May Increase Lobster, Crab Prices
Protecting Endangered Whales May Increase Lobster, Crab Prices A proposal to protect right and other large whales could change how people trap lobsters and crabs - a situation that may lead to higher seafood prices.  Meanwhile, a temporary “slow zone” has been created around Martha’s Vineyard along with parts of the East Coast in an effort to reduce the risk of endangered right whales being hit by ships, boats, and other vessels. The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered large whale species on the planet - there are only about 400 of them left and fewer than 100 are breeding females, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…
Feds: Chinese Citizen Who Financed $2.25M Exotic Turtle-Smuggling Operation Extradited To NJ Feds: Chinese Citizen Who Financed $2.25M Exotic Turtle-Smuggling Operation Extradited To NJ
Feds: Chinese Citizen Who Financed $2.25M Exotic Turtle-Smuggling Operation Extradited To NJ A Chinese citizen who bankrolled the smuggling of $2.25 million worth of rare, protected turtles out of the United States was extradited from Malaysia to face federal charges in New Jersey, authorities said. Kang Juntao, 24, of Hangzhou City, China, financed a nationwide ring of criminals who smuggled at least 1,500 protected turtles out of the U.S., many of whom were bound with duct tape and stuffed into socks, Justice Department officials said Thursday. “Wildlife trafficking is a serious crime that impacts imperiled species at home and abroad,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Aure…
Exotic Animal Smuggler In Worcester Sentenced For International Crimes Exotic Animal Smuggler In Worcester Sentenced For International Crimes
Exotic Animal Smuggler In Worcester Sentenced For International Crimes A man who was illegally smuggling salamanders and turtles has been found guilty and sentenced for the crimes. Nathan Boss, 27, of Worcester, was sentenced to two years of supervised release with the first five months to be served in home confinement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts said Monday, Oct. 5. Boss is also not allowed to possess any wildlife and he must complete a community service project, Judge Timothy S.Hillman ruled. In June Boss pleaded guilty to two counts of smuggling wildlife into the U.S., two counts of smuggling wildlife out of the eU.S., and making a false sta…
NOAA: Endangered Whale Struck By 2 Vessels Off Jersey Shore NOAA: Endangered Whale Struck By 2 Vessels Off Jersey Shore
NOAA: Endangered Whale Struck By 2 Vessels Off Jersey Shore The right whale calf found floating off the Jersey Shore last week had evidence of at least two separate vessel collisions, federal authorities said. The carcass of the North Atlantic right whale, a critically endangered species, was spotted on Thursday by an aerial survey team from the Center for Coastal studies off the coast of Elberon (part of Long Branch), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a statement. On Monday, NOAA released preliminary results on a necropsy, finding that the whale had several propeller wounds across his head and chest, and a likely rudd…
Body Of Critically Endangered Whale Found Floating Off Jersey Shore Coast Body Of Critically Endangered Whale Found Floating Off Jersey Shore Coast
Body Of Critically Endangered Whale Found Floating Off Jersey Shore Coast The body of a critically endangered whale species was found floating off the Jersey Shore Thursday, federal authorities said. The carcass of the North Atlantic right whale was spotted by an aerial survey team from the Center for Coastal studies off the coast of Elberon (part of Long Branch), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a statement. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC), Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and NOAA are working with area resources in the area to secure a necropsy location, officials said. Members of the stranding network are making …
Turtle Back Zoo Welcomes Endangered Leopard Cub Nadya Turtle Back Zoo Welcomes Endangered Leopard Cub Nadya
Turtle Back Zoo Welcomes Endangered Leopard Cub Nadya No, this isn't "Tiger King," -- it's better. The Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange welcome a female Amur leopard cub Nadya on Friday, March 13, to mom Annika and dad Valeri. Her name means "filled with hope" in Russian. "Nadya’s birth has great importance since her species is classified as critically endangered," according to the zoo, noting that there are estimated to be about 84 Amur leopards in their native habitat. Mom Annika had been under baby watch for months, the zoo said. Cameras in her den monitored the cub closely after birth.  "When Annika did not nurse the newborn…
Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says
Viral Facebook Video Claiming To Be Mountain Lion Actually Shows A Bobcat, Animal Expert Says Turns out it was a bobcat, not a mountain lion that was caught on camera in upstate New York in a video that quickly went viral, according to an expert. Cici Marie LaPierre posted a video on Facebook that has since gone viral on social media of an animal that was walking on Main Street in Saranac Lake last month. In the video, one of the passengers in the vehicle questions whether it is a mountain lion, as it looks back before going on its way. Some commenters on social media noted that the animal in the video may not be a mountain lion, but could be a bobcat, cougar, lynx, or similar pre…
Rare, 5-Foot Long Leatherback Sea Turtle Found Dead On Suffolk County Beach Rare, 5-Foot Long Leatherback Sea Turtle Found Dead On Suffolk County Beach
Rare, 5-Foot Long Leatherback Sea Turtle Found Dead On Suffolk County Beach A massive 5-foot sea turtle was found dead on Long Island. The rare leatherback sea turtle was spotted washed up on Callahan’s Beach in Fort Salonga in Suffolk County on Wednesday, July 24, officials said. The male turtle had several lacerations on its back that indicate it may have been struck by a boat, officials with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society noted. The animal was buried nearby, though it reportedly weighed approximately 700 pounds. According to the New York State Department of Conservation, “as water temperatures begin to rise in late spring and early summer, the water…
Area Man Admits To Illegally Selling Sharks Area Man Admits To Illegally Selling Sharks
Area Man Admits To Illegally Selling Sharks An area man who was arrested in March for having live sharks in his basement has pleaded guilty to the crime. Joshua Seguine, 38, of Lagrangeville, admitted Friday, July 12, to keeping live Sandbar sharts, a protected species, and attempting to sell them over the internet, said New York Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. According to the felony complaint, Seguine came to the attention of DEC Law Enforcement in July of 2017, after he was found in possession of five undersized sharks in the back of his truck. According to a…
NJ Pet Salesman Gets Home Confinement For Importing Black Scorpions, Giant Millipedes NJ Pet Salesman Gets Home Confinement For Importing Black Scorpions, Giant Millipedes
NJ Pet Salesman Gets Home Confinement For Importing Black Scorpions, Giant Millipedes A group of live scorpions and other endangered species who escaped from an international parcel on its way from Tanzania to the U.S. first brought attention to a Central Jersey pet salesman who was ordered to never do it again. He didn’t listen, though. He even posted photos from his collection while seeking buyers on Facebook – featuring, among others, the immense and popular black scorpion, which glows green or blue under ultraviolet light. A federal judge in Trenton this week sentenced Wlodzimie Lapkiewicz, 30, to six months home confinement and four years’ probation for illegally smuggl…
New Jersey Officials Investigating If Workers Intentionally Sprayed Baby Falcons Off Skyscraper New Jersey Officials Investigating If Workers Intentionally Sprayed Baby Falcons Off Skyscraper
New Jersey Officials Investigating If Workers Intentionally Sprayed Baby Falcons Off Skyscraper A video showing Jersey City window washers spraying a nest of endangered falcons has prompted an investigation. Animal-lovers are livid over the footage that on Sunday morning captured a pair of workers climbing up to the roof of a Hudson Street skyscraper and spraying the birds that have been nesting there for nearly two years. Three sister falcons were on the ledge at the time of the incident and can be heard calling and dive-bombing in an attempt to keep the workers away from the others, who were estimated to be between  5 and 6 weeks-old, the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of NJ said. A…
Flying High Now: Bald Eagles Making Comeback In NY Flying High Now: Bald Eagles Making Comeback In NY
Flying High Now: Bald Eagles Making Comeback In NY Bald eagles are flying now, flyin' high now, they're gonna fly, fly, fly as they make a comeback in New York. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in 1976, there was only one pair of bald eagles nesting in New York. Conservation efforts have increased that number to more than 300 pairs that were reported this year. Those hopeful of spotting a bald eagle have been instructed by the NYSDEC to “scan the tree-tops for eagles perched there or watch the sky. Eagles like heavily wooded areas near water with tall trees for nesting and perching. They eat a lot of…
Man Charged With Having Seven Live Sandbar Sharks In His Pool With Intent To Sell Them Man Charged With Having Seven Live Sandbar Sharks In His Pool With Intent To Sell Them
Man Charged With Having Seven Live Sandbar Sharks In His Pool With Intent To Sell Them A 38-year-old area man was nabbed by officials for allegedly having possession of seven Sandbar sharks in a pool at his Dutchess County home with the intent to sell them. State Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos said Wednesday, March 20, that Joshua Seguine, of Lagrangeville, was busted following an investigation after he was found with five live sharks in the back of a truck. “The trafficking of protected species is both unlawful and harmful to these vulnerable creatures," said James. “This individual is charged with …
Critically Endangered Wolf Pups Born At Beardsley Zoo Critically Endangered Wolf Pups Born At Beardsley Zoo
Critically Endangered Wolf Pups Born At Beardsley Zoo Need somewhere upbeat to visit this winter?  Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has some howling good news: Three critically endangered wolf pups were born there Dec. 27, in a heated enclosure.  Zoo staff installed a discreet camera to observe the pups' progress. Images can be accessed by going to the CTBZoo Facebook page here:  "We have the best news to share today," the Connecticut zoo announced.  "Three maned wolf pups have joined our Zoo family! Mom (Bonita) gave birth to the pups on December 27, and since she and Dad (Paulo) have been excellent parents, the pups …
Amur Tiger Twins Meet The Press At Bridgeport's Beardsley Zoo Amur Tiger Twins Meet The Press At Bridgeport's Beardsley Zoo
Amur Tiger Twins Meet The Press At Bridgeport's Beardsley Zoo BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — The twin tiger cubs staffers at the Beardsley Zoo have been hand rearing since November made their media debut Thursday. The nearly seven-week-old girls — Zeya and Reka — mewed and sat together, curiously peering out at a gaggle of newspaper and TV reporters and cameras. “This is their first time out with people,” said Zoo Director Gregg Dancho. “We’re expecting them not to be enthralled by that.” The zoo’s 10-year-old Amur tiger Changbai gave birth to four cubs on Nov. 25, all of whom arrived underweight. Sadly, two died and Changbai showed no interest in the remainin…