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Law enforcement officials are currently searching for two suspects who are alleged to have pilfered a large number of Venus flytraps.
Officials in North Carolina have secured arrest orders for two individuals in a poaching investigation involving a large quantity of plants.
According to WECT-TV, law enforcement officials from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have issued warrants for the arrest of two individuals who allegedly stole approximately 600 uncommon plants from a protected area in Boiling Spring Lakes.
It is uncertain if the individuals have been detained and officials from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission have not replied to messages from The Associated Press.
The natural habitat of Venus flytraps is in southeastern North Carolina.
The illegal market trades Venus flytraps.
Sgt. Matt Criscoe of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission explained to the news station that these organisms are only found in their natural state within a 100-mile radius of Wilmington.
During this season, flowers begin to blossom, which assists in locating them and results in heightened surveillance to prevent poaching, according to Criscoe.
He mentioned that the plants are available either on the black market or through local channels.
Last month, wildlife officials received a report about two individuals digging for flytraps in Boiling Spring Lakes. They were apprehended at a nearby gas station and their backpacks were examined by officers. According to Criscoe, they are being charged with harvesting over 590 plants.
The defendant’s identities have not been disclosed to the public.
Extracting vegetation from public or privately-owned property is a felony offense in North Carolina.
This information comes from independent.co.uk.
