Fish and Wildlife Commission Catch Flying Squirrel Smugglers - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up! To the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for stopping the trafficking of flying squirrels.

October 21, 2020

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has just arrested seven people tied to a wildlife trafficking ring in central Florida, and they expect to make more arrests soon.

Over the course of three years, an organized criminal enterprise trapped and trafficked nearly 3,600 flying squirrels and sold them throughout the United States and abroad for upwards of $200,000, according to Bay News 9 in Tampa, Florida. The FWC stated that sea turtles and alligators were targeted in the operation as well.

Wildlife poachers make millions of dollars by selling these helpless creatures to international retailers who then sell them to unsuspecting customers as pets. Although flying squirrels–and their close relative, the sugar glider–are fascinating and cute to watch, these animals belong in the wild where they can thrive with their species in their natural habitat.

Take Action: You can do your part in helping wildlife by never buying an exotic animal as a pet and never supporting a business that sells exotic animals. Instead, support animal rescues and sanctuaries that are dedicated to saving and rehabilitating exotic animals who have been taken advantage of by so many.