Airport Stench Leads to Major Wildlife Bust

A wildlife inspector's sharp sense of smell proved crucial last fall at the Anchorage airport when a foul odor emanating from a box labeled "car parts" led to the discovery of thousands of shark fins. This initial find by Chris Andrews, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspector, ultimately resulted in the confiscation of 1,600 pounds of shark fins nationwide, bound for Hong Kong.

Andrews and his team are tasked with intercepting illegal wildlife shipments, enforcing international conservation treaties and national laws. Their daily work at Alaskan airports and docks uncovers a variety of trafficked items, including designer bags made from protected crocodile or python, and ill-advised souvenirs. Once, a passenger was stopped carrying two taxidermied lizards as long as skateboards, concealed in a garbage bag.

While live animal interceptions are less frequent, occurring about a dozen times annually, they present unique challenges. These have included monitor lizards smuggled inside speakers and 400 baby turtles of 12 different species found within a pair of snow boots. Andrews’ work, though far from his initial expectations of studying bears and moose, has been exciting for three decades, offering constant surprises and potential dangers, such as aggressive, dinner-plate-sized spiders from India.