What to Know
- The U.S. Department of Justice announced six people are facing charges over the trafficking of migratory birds.
- The six cases involved more than 400 birds total.
- Authorities raided at least one home in connection with the case.
More than 100 birds that were illegally trapped as part of wildlife trafficking operations will be set free in the Florida Everglades.
Federal officials said in a news release Friday that six people in Florida have been arrested as part of a long-running investigation into illegal trapping and sale of birds. The 130 birds recovered in that Justice Department probe will be released to the wild Saturday in the Everglades.
The birds are protected under the 100-year-old Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The species to be released include indigo buntings, painted buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks, northern cardinals, house finches and clay-colored sparrows.
The people arrested in the bird trafficking cases face numerous charges, including offering migratory birds for sale, smuggling and conspiracy. The six cases involved more than 400 birds in total.
