HOUSTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials seized a full-mount trophy and a shoulder-mount trophy of an endangered species on Monday.
The CBP seized two Black-faced impala trophies from an importer that did not have the required documentation to import his trophy, on Monday at the Houston Seaport.
The trophies were seized because they were in violation of the Endangered Species Act, and for importation without necessary declaration, according to the CBP.
"Our examinations are focused on intercepting the obvious illegal items such as narcotics and counterfeit products as well as items intended to enter the commerce that do not meet U.S. Laws and federal regulations," said CBP's Houston Seaport Port Director Dave Fluty.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Black-faced Impala has been on the endangered species list since 1970.
"When we identify shipments that appear to violate laws, we coordinate with the appropriate agency," said Fluty.
Although the Black-faced impalas are not new to the endangered species list, they are still target by hunters.