A Colorado Parks and Wildlife camera captured a fiery encounter between a bobcat and a coyote over food. Meanwhile, a conversation on a 2023 flight between a Northern California couple and state Fish and Wildlife officers revealed various wildlife crimes, including the illegal smuggling of an endangered sea turtle’s skull. The couple, Byron Lee Fitzpatrick and Shannon Lee Price, admitted to unlawfully possessing a mountain lion and other protected species, leading to an investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Search warrants at the couple’s residence in Chico and a family member’s residence in Napa County uncovered illegal possession of animals, including mountain lions, wolverines, and ringtail cats, which are protected species in California. Wildlife officers seized the animals and parts as evidence for prosecution. The Butte and Napa County district attorney’s offices filed formal complaints against the couple and family member for poaching crimes, leading to fines, probation, and convictions for violating federal wildlife regulations.
The case highlighted a broad spectrum of natural resource violations, emphasizing the critical role of officers in safeguarding resources. Wildlife trafficking, like human and narcotics trafficking, can fund criminal organizations globally. The individuals involved demonstrated a disregard for laws governing natural resources and are being held accountable for their actions. The seized animals and parts were used in prosecutions in Napa County, Butte County, and federal district court, underscoring the importance of protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws.
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