Conservation Officer News - 5 September 2024

Leopard Mount Seizure – Delaware County

On July 29, a Delaware County resident settled charges related to the illegal commercialization of endangered species.

In May, ECOs collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to investigate a tip about a full-body leopard mount listed for sale on social media for $2,500. Officers identified the seller and determined they did not possess the permits required in New York State to sell the leopard mount. ECO Osborne responded to the seller’s location during the transaction, seized the leopard mount, and charged the individual with commercialization of endangered wildlife, a felony due to the value of the mount. As part of the legal resolution, the seller agreed to pay a $2,500 fine and forfeit the mount.

It is illegal to sell endangered or protected species in New York without the proper permits. For more information on requirements to legally sell mounts or items containing parts of endangered species, visit DEC’s Special Licenses page. 

Leopard mount seized after being illegally offered for sale in Delaware County