Agency doubles reward to report poaching of alligator snapping turtles
It’s illegal to capture, move or sell the reptiles in Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife is upping its reward for tips that could lead it to catch poachers of a threatened species of turtles.
The state is offering rewards of up to $2,000 for Texans who report poaching of alligator snapping turtles.
Alligator snapping turtles are the largest freshwater turtles in the world and can grow to more than 200 pounds. It is illegal to capture, transport or sell them.
“The high survivorship and long lives of adults make populations of alligator snapping turtles very sensitive to the removal of even a small number of breeding adults,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Herpetologist Paul Crump said. “That is why Texas prohibited collection of this species back in the ’80s and why we need the help of Texans who work and spend time on the rivers in East Texas to reduce poaching. We want to keep this species around to help maintain our healthy rivers and streams.”
People who provide tips that lead to the conviction of wildlife crimes are typically rewarded $1,000 by Operation Game Thief — Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Crime-Stoppers Program.
According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Conservation Licenses Plate program, which sells wildlife-themed license plates, is matching the $1,000.
“[Operation Game Thief] is proud to be part of a concerted effort, along with the TPWD Wildlife Division and the Conservation License Plate Program, to give at-risk species the spotlight they deserve in return for the value they hold to Texas, its citizens and visitors,” said Assistant Commander of Wildlife Enforcement Stormy King.
“With funds provided by this effort, we were recently able to match a $1,000 OGT reward and deliver $2,000 to an anonymous caller who helped convict a turtle poacher,” King said.
To report tips to Operation Game Thief, call (800) 7924263.