CHICAGO (CBS) — The Illinois Department of Natural Resources worked with federal agencies in Florida to take down a wildlife trafficking ring operating through Chicago.
In Florida 3,700 flying squirrels were captured. The traffickers then would drive the animals 1,400 miles in a rental car from Florida to Chicago.
READ MORE: Teen Charged In 8-Year-Old Melissa Ortega's Murder Has Criminal Record For Carjacking And Gun ChargesOnce in Chicago a wildlife exporter shipped them to South Korea where they were sold as exotic pets for thousands of dollars.
READ MORE: Illinois House Committee Advances Bill That Would Require Life Rings Along LakefrontThe traffickers also shipped alligators and protected freshwater turtles.
MORE NEWS: UIC Stepping Up Conferences To Join Missouri Valley ConferenceSeven people were arrested.
