KEY LARGO, Fla. – A Washington man used a net to catch butterflies at a park in Key Largo, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced on Monday.
After a witness’s report out of the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, FWC and U.S. Fish and Wildlife officers responded on June 5.
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“Floridians know our natural resources are our greatest treasure,” FWC Maj. Alberto Maza said in a statement.
Florida is home to over 185 butterfly species, including the critically endangered Schaus’ Swallowtail and the Miami Blue. State parks prohibit taking any wildlife.
Investigators identified a suspect as Tad R. Norman, of Washington state, and issued him a civil citation for the unlawful take and possession of wildlife on June 5.
Officers reported conducting a traffic stop and finding Norman in possession of 10 butterflies, each in one envelope, after a search, according to the FWC.
“The poaching of any wildlife will not be tolerated on state lands,” said Maza, FWC South Bravo regional commander.
Maza asked anyone with information about wildlife violations to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922 or submit a tip at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.