FWC Makes Arrests for Selling of Wildlife Online

By William Mansell

People in Pinellas, Hernando, Hillsborough, Polk, Lee, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier and Monroe counties have been charged with or sent warnings for illegally selling wildlife online. 

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Operation Wild Web" went after individuals for intentionally buying and selling wildlife illegally over the Internet. 

The FWC did not release the names of the suspects. 

“These illegal virtual businesses not only compete with the legitimate companies, they are also damaging to our valuable fish and wildlife populations,” said Lt. George Wilson, of the FWC’s Internet Crimes Unit, in a news release. “We often find they are selling unsafe products or sick or injured animals.”

According to the FWC wildlife bought and sold included: free and saltwater fish, lobster, snakes and birds. 

“Some people may think operating online is a way to get away with taking advantage of protected species,” Wilson said in a news release. “But we are dedicated to working with our partners to stop these illegal activities.”