Reward Offered in Endangered Crocodile Poaching Case

The Humane Society of the United States and The HSUS Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally killing an endangered American crocodile on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus last week.   

The Case:
According to published media reports, the carcass of the American crocodile was found with the animal's head and tail chopped off. The dead animal was found on Oct. 2, and evidence suggested that the animal was lured to shore with a bag of fish parts and then dismembered with a blunt object, such as a machete or hatchet. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking for help from the public to track down the person or people responsible.

"This brutal case showcases the callous nature of poachers and their often flippant participation in the serious crime of killing an endangered animal," said Jennifer Hobgood, Florida state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for enforcing anti-poaching laws."

American crocodiles are listed as an endangered species under Florida state law and as a federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Killing an endangered animal is punishable as a third-degree felony under Florida's Endangered and Threatened Species Act, with penalties up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. Intentional animal cruelty is also punishable as a third-degree felony in Florida, with penalties up to 5 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Poaching:
Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel manners.

The Investigators:
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse across the country. Visit humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.

Since its founding in 1993, the Wildlife Land Trust has worked with private landowners to create 99 permanent wildlife sanctuaries where recreational and commercial hunting and trapping will always be prohibited. In addition, the Wildlife Land Trust works in collaboration with a variety of partners to protect many other vulnerable lands to benefit wildlife. Proud of its affiliation with The Humane Society of the United States, the Wildlife Land Trust joins in campaigns to protect wildlife from cruel and indefensible practices such as poaching, steel-jawed leghold traps, Internet hunting and canned shoots.