Agents at the California border have noticed an alarming increase in animal trafficking cases. More and more people tried to smuggle in everything from elephant tusks to live birds and monkeys. Similar incidents occurred in Massachusetts, Los Angeles County, and Texas.
What’s going on?
According to Mongabay, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has dealt with an increase in animal smuggling operations in recent months. Officials confiscated birds, elephant ivory, tusks, rhino horns, live mammals, and reptiles.
“Top three right now that we’re seeing in California [are] live reptiles, live corals … and also live birds,” said Denise Larson, acting regional supervisor for wildlife inspections with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, per Mongabay.
Many animals suffer dangerous conditions when smuggled, resulting in injuries, malnutrition, and death. Additionally, the outlet reported that most of the animals are species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and the US Endangered Species Act.
However, smuggling laws are difficult to enforce due to the large volume of cargo entering and exiting airports and cargo ports. “We’re seeing an increase in primate trafficking,” said Sara Walker, a senior consultant with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, per Mongabay.
Why is wildlife smuggling important?
Animals that end up in the wildlife trade face a variety of hardships – and the issues can threaten human safety, too.
According to Mongabay, trafficked animals are stolen from their families, endure harsh travel conditions, and are sent to homes where their new owners do not know how to care for them.
As a result, these animals are often malnourished, neglected, and do not receive proper veterinary care. “It’s really tragic… what happens to them,” said Nathan Smith, the head of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s trafficking unit, per Mongabay.
In addition, animals that escape or are released can outcompete native species, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem, WWF explained.
Animals can also increase the risk of diseases that can infect livestock, pets, or even humans, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
What is being done to stop animal trafficking?
Even though wildlife trafficking is a significant problem, solutions are on the horizon. For example, Mongabay reported that the Wildlife Confiscation Network, launched in 2023, helps send confiscated animals to trusted care facilities.
Legislators have also introduced laws to protect wildlife, such as the Captive Primate Public Safety Act.
On a personal level, individuals can also do their part to protect animals from wildlife trafficking. Avoid buying exotic pets or animal products and alert the authorities if you notice anything suspicious. Also, refrain from interacting with people on social media who promote wild animals as pets.
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