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Hey Fedi I need your help! People are illegally harvesting threatened #Cicadas species on a massive scale at Big Foot Beach State Park in Wisconsin and taking them to sell in wet markets. The park staff are aware, as is the local DNR Conservation Warden, but they're not taking action. Can you please take a few minutes and call the DNR Violation Hotline? 1-800-847-9367. Say that you were told about people illegally harvesting cicadas at Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva #WI. Please Boost!
The people killing the Cicadas are ripping their wings off, filling up 5 gallon buckets, then driving to Milwaukee and Chicago to sell them for a profit. They've been coming every day for 3 weeks.
When the staff has asked the Conservation Warden for help, he said they're "nuisance animals" and has not intervened.
#Wisconsin DNR gives guidelines to the public about specific "nuisance animals", but cicadas are not among them. I believe the language is being grievously misused here. Wisconsin State Law says it is illegal for anyone to take wildlife out of a state park without a permit or written permission.
Time is of the essence! Big Foot Beach is the only state park in Wisconsin with all 3 species of periodical cicadas, Magicicada cassini, septendecula, and septendecim. All 3 species are already listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened, and it's expected that since the last population count 17 years ago they've declined further
The laws are here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/nr/001/45/03 (page takes some time to load)
The relevant sections are NR 45.04 General Rules, State Property, bullet points a and f
If you care about #nature, #cicadas, #wildlife, or #conservation please boost this thread. Time is of the essence. Calling the DNR Violation tip line will only take a few minutes of your time, and can help these vulnerable animals in a critical time of need.
1-800-847-9367