State and federal wildlife agencies netted a Washington State man after he allegedly captured several species of butterflies from a state park in Key Largo.
Tad R. Norman, 76, was charged on June 5 with unlawful take and possession of wildlife.
Since 2021, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), has received multiple reports of butterfly poaching within Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. The removal of any wildlife from the park is strictly prohibited.
Despite increased patrols and public reports, the only lead in the case had been a vehicle with Washington State license plates.
On June 5, a witness reported seeing a man, later identified as Norman, using a butterfly net near the park and leaving the area in a truck bearing Washington State tags. FWC and FWS officers quickly responded and found the vehicle. An FWC officer conducted a traffic stop and discovered Norman in possession of 15 deceased butterflies, each individually stored in small envelopes. The butterflies were identified as Julias, Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) and Florida Purplewing (Funica tatila).
Norman was issued a notice to appear. His arraignment was July 9 before Judge Sharon Hamilton at the Plantation Key Courthouse.
“Floridians know our natural resources are our greatest treasure,” said Major Alberto Maza, South Bravo Regional Commander. “The poaching of any wildlife will not be tolerated on state lands.”The public is encouraged to report potential wildlife violations by downloading the FWC Wildlife Alert app, calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), or submitting a tip online at MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
