A woman has pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle 29 turtles across a Vermont lake into Canada by kayak. The incident took place on September 24, 2021, when U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered the turtles hidden in the woman’s kayak after she had crossed the lake from Vermont to Quebec. The woman, identified as 28-year-old Nadia Chaput, admitted to authorities that she had collected the turtles from a beach in Vermont and was planning to sell them in Canada.
Chaput was charged with unlawfully exporting wildlife and faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. She is scheduled to be sentenced in February 2022.
The incident has raised concerns about the illegal wildlife trade and its impact on endangered species. Turtles are a protected species under both U.S. and Canadian laws, and smuggling them across borders can have serious consequences for their populations.
Authorities have praised the efforts of Border Patrol agents in intercepting the smuggling attempt and protecting the turtles from harm. The turtles were safely returned to their natural habitat in Vermont.
Chaput’s guilty plea serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. The case highlights the challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and preventing the illegal trade of wildlife, especially in border regions.
Overall, Chaput’s attempt to smuggle 29 turtles across a Vermont lake into Canada serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of exploiting protected species for profit. Authorities will continue to crack down on illegal wildlife trafficking to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.
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