They were flying squirrels in the wild.
At least seven people have been charged in Florida for participating in the illegal trafficking of flying squirrels, a protected animal from which they have captured thousands of individuals for a total estimated value of more than $ 1 million, authorities say local American city.
In less than three years, traffickers have captured at least 3,600 squirrels.
They were then sold to customers in South Korea as "exotic animals for hundreds of thousands of dollars," the Florida wildlife protection office said.
Local authorities estimate that the value of the sequestered small mammals could reach more than a million dollars.
More than 10,000 flying squirrel traps set
The investigation, which lasted 19 months and mobilized the police and animal protection services of several American states, was launched in January 2019 after an anonymous call.
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Smugglers, who had placed more than 10,000 flying squirrel traps across Florida, were also involved in the illegal trafficking of other species such as protected freshwater turtles and alligators.
The seven individuals involved face multiple charges including money laundering and illegal possession of wild animals.
"These poachers could have seriously damaged Florida's wildlife populations," said Grant Burton of the Sunshine State's wildlife service.
