Featured Image: National Geographic Kids
Earlier this month, a Louisiana man was caught in possession of two endangered sea turtles. Wildlife law enforcement officers were able to find the poacher based on a tip from a concerned citizen.
Lee Leger Jr, 61, was found in possession of two green sea turtles. Green sea turtles are listed as threatened and protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Officials found 20 pounds of turtle meat in the poacher’s freezer. After the officials found the meat, Leger admitted to killing two green sea turtles.
It is unclear what penalties Leger will face yet, but the penalties for harming an endangered animal can include a fine of $50,000 and up to one year in jail. Hopefully the poacher will pay for his actions. By enforcing the rules, officials can help to ensure that incidents like this happen less often.
Green sea turtles have been protected under the endangered species act since 1978. Although the population has shown some signs of recovery from the existence at the brink of extinction, this population still faces many challenges. Habitat degradation and marine pollution have contributed greatly to their decline. The turtles cannot sustain additional harm via poaching if they want a chance at long term survival as a species.
Read more from the source.