Tag:

Department of Agriculture Veterinary Services

Black Market Birds: Why Was NJ-Bound Airport Traveler Smuggling Finches In Hair Rollers? Black Market Birds: Why Was NJ-Bound Airport Traveler Smuggling Finches In Hair Rollers?
Black Market Birds: Why Was Nj-bound Airport Traveler Smuggling Finches In Hair Rollers? You might ask yourself why a Guyanese traveler headed to New Jersey was found trying to smuggle in a flock of finches tucked into hair rollers through JFK Airport. The answer: Singing competitions. U.S. Customs and Border Protections reported seizing 29 of the petite black-market songbirds this past weekend. It's happened before -- and not just at New York/New Jersey area airports. Last year, hundreds were discovered at no fewer than 16 airports nationwide, although COVID-19 likely curbed the number, CBP said. The 2019 total was 2,117. Nearly all come from Guyana, where birdson…