Name something that doesn’t belong in boots or car seats… How about parakeets? On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 12 orange-fronted parakeets were seized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement at the Otay Port of Entry in California, following an alleged smuggling attempt intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The birds were found tied at the feet and wrapped in pantyhose, some were found stuffed in a man’s boots while others crammed inside the seat of the car. Unfortunately, three of the birds passed away. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is actively working to save the remaining parakeets and provide appropriate veterinary care. This is an ongoing investigation. The orange-fronted parakeet is protected by the Wild Bird Conservation Act and the Global Conservation for Wildlife as CITES Appendix II. While not globally threatened, the species faces threats like habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Offi...