Aug 6, 2008 2:18 pm US/Pacific
Exotic African Clawed Frogs Seized In Raid
RENO, Nev. (AP) ―
Nevada wildlife officials raided three residences in the Reno area where they seized more than 100 African clawed frogs.
The exotic frogs are prohibited because they can pose a serious danger to native frogs and entire ecosystems.
NDOW game Warden Cameron Waithman says no charges have been filed against the people who illegally possessed a total of 119 frogs because they are cooperating fully with law enforcement to "get any and all prohibited frogs off the streets.
African clawed frogs grow about as large as bullfrogs. Waithman says the can destroy entire ecosystems by voraciously eating native fish, amphibians and just about anything they can swallow, he said.
Scientists also believe these frog carries and spreads an African fungus that has decimated frog populations worldwide.
Because of the danger the frogs pose, people who knowingly possess such amphibians face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
