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Invasive Stag Beetles Seized at LAX During Snack Inspection
Imagine reaching for a bag of potato chips and discovering a six-inch stag beetle instead. This improbable scenario unfolded recently at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agricultural specialists intercepted a staggering 37 packages purportedly filled with popular Japanese snacks. Instead of edible treats, these bags contained live beetles, a highly invasive species that is often sought after by collectors on the black market, as revealed in a February 5th release from CBP.
While these beetles may be admired for their unique appearance and behavior, especially during mating rituals, their presence in the U.S. poses a significant risk to the nation’s agricultural ecosystem. “While they may seem appealing, smuggled beetles pose serious threats to our vital agricultural resources,” stated Cheryl Davies, Director of Field Operations at CBP Los Angeles. She emphasized that the invasive nature of these insects can lead to severe harm to plants, trees, and forests, as they feed on vegetation and lay eggs on tree bark.
CBP officials highlighted the proper steps for importing live insects into the U.S., which involve obtaining several permits from the USDA. In the case of the intercepted beetles, valued collectively at approximately $1,480, the alleged smuggling operation could result in even heavier penalties. Those penalties may include extended prison sentences, substantial fines, and the forfeiture of seized goods. Following their apprehension, the beetles were transferred to USDA authorities, who will determine their fate, with potential donations to zoos that hold the appropriate legal permits.
The seizure of 37 beetles, though noteworthy, is a small fraction of the total agricultural monitoring operations conducted by CBP. On an average day, the agency reports seizing over 3,287 illegal items, ranging from meats and plants to more than 231 agricultural pests. This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of biosecurity and the importance of vigilance against the introduction of invasive species into the U.S. ecosystem.
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www.popsci.com