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: Chicago Culture Celebrates The City While Giving Back To Youth For Black History MonthOnce in Chicago a wildlife exporter shipped them to South Korea where they were sold as exotic pets for thousands of dollars.
READ MORE: Mother And 10-Year-Old Daughter Dead, 4 Family Members Hospitalized After House Fire In Auburn GreshamThe traffickers also shipped alligators and protected freshwater turtles.
MORE NEWS: Chicago Weather: Warm But Wet Sunday Morning Ahead Of Cold FrontSeven people were arrested.
