# @usfws on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DNbX4TxSNhv
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/33489372-usfws-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/4f58a2a4f3.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-08-16T19:30:59.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (@usfws) — https://gondola.cc/usfws

## Caption

Illegal turtle exports expose black market demand.

Between August 2023 and November 2024, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement led investigation with assistance from federal partner agencies intercepted 222 packages containing approximately 850 eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles. Many of the turtles were discovered bound in socks and concealed in boxes falsely labeled as “plastic animal toys.”

Both species, prized in domestic and international pet markets for their vivid, colorful markings, are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a designation prompted by decades of illegal trade.

In addition to these shipments, the subject also sent 11 more parcels filled with other reptiles, including venomous snakes.

Wildlife smuggling is not only illegal, but also incredibly cruel. Turtles caught in this illegal trade often suffer severe injuries, such as broken shells, and endure extreme stress that can lead to death. Additionally, you will face charges if you’re caught trafficking wildlife and can potentially face prison time and up to a $250,000 fine or more in certain circumstances.

Your voice can help stop wildlife trafficking. To report a suspected wildlife crime, please call our tips hotline at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477) or www.fws.gov/wildlife-crime-tips. You may be eligible for a financial reward if the information you provide leads to an arrest, criminal conviction, civil penalty assessment or forfeiture of seized property. Payment of rewards is at the discretion of the Service and is linked to specific federal wildlife laws.

Photo 1: A seized eastern box turtle in a holding tank. Credit: Rebecca Fabbri/USFWS

Photo 2:  Smuggled box turtles. Credit: USFWS #wildlifetrafficking #conservation #turtlesofinstagram #easternboxturtle #threetoedboxturtles

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 3,879
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- **Comments:** 26

## Tags

turtlesofinstagram, conservation, easternboxturtle, wildlifetrafficking, threetoedboxturtles

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