![No Kitten! Undercover Officers Seize Illegal Lion Rug in Upstate NY](https://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2023/05/attachment-POACHED-LION-COVER.jpg?w=980&q=75)
No Kitten! Undercover Officers Seize Illegal Lion Rug in Upstate NY
Never thought you'd see something this crazy in New York. No wonder... because it's illegal.
A long awaited investigation has finally come to a close in Upstate New York, officially catching a wild animal poacher red handed. It wasn't an easy process by any means, but these officers deserve credit for the work they put in.
An Interesting Accusation
It all started when the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation received an unlikely call from an anonymous person. They told authorities they knew of a person selling a giant lion skin rug at an estate sale. Interested immediately, the DEC put ECO Wilson and a Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigator (BECI) on the case.
Read More: 2022 Deer Hunting Numbers Out; NYS Sees New Increase
Both officers attended the estate sale undercover, in hopes of seeing the rug for themselves. During the event, an antiques business owner approached both officers. He allegedly claimed to have the lion skin rug for sale and he'd offer them the best price for it.
The officers made the trip to Great Valley, in Cattaraugus County, to visit the mans store. That's where they found the massive rug on sale $1,200. Not only that, but there were also multiple other mounted displays of endangered and protected species.
Read More: Dumb Upstate NY Hunters Get Instant Karma Doing This
After leaving, the two investigating officers returned quickly again to the store. This time they were joined by a team of ECOs and an agent from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They seized multiple illegal mounts, which valued at more than $4,000.
Charged and Finally Fined
The man was charged with a misdemeanor illegal commercialization of wildlife. He recently plead guilty in Great Valley Town Court, sentenced to pay a fine of $2,000.
As part of the plea agreement, the subject agreed that if within one year he violates Environmental Conservation Law again, the initial felony commercialization charge will be reinstated.
We should be working to preserve our endangered animals, not poaching them for a pretty paycheck. It's reassuring to see ECOs and other wildlife enthusiasts doing everything they can to protect our wildlife. Even if the animal isn't actually from New York State.
12 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- May 2023
8 Dumb Mistakes That Landed Dumb Hunters in Heap of Trouble
Motherless Cubs "In Good Shape" Thanks to Hunter, NY Wildlife Center
Holy Buck! New York Hunter Bags Biggest Deer of His Career
More From Big Frog 104
![Angler Smashes New York Fishing Record With Monster Catch](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2024/07/attachment-Record.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Aggressive Bear Euthanized After Destroying Kitchen in Upstate New York](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2020/08/Bear-Adirondack1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Massive 220 Pound Endangered Fish Pulled From New York River](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design-13.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Oil Spill in New York Creek Kills Family of Beavers](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2024/06/attachment-Untitled-design-12.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Invasive Species From East Asia Threatening New York Waters](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2024/06/attachment-Mitten-Crab.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gear Up for Free Camping at 7 New York Campsites](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2024/06/attachment-Free-camping-in-NY.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![60 People Caught Illegally Camping in Central New York State Forest](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2024/05/attachment-Untitled-design-13.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Concerning Hunting Season May Force Changes in New York](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2023/11/attachment-DEER-HUNTING-STORY.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![More Changes to Fishing Regulations in New York](http://townsquare.media/site/39/files/2024/04/attachment-Untitled-design-12.jpg?w=980&q=75)