The seizure of several goods made from endangered species was announced Wednesday. The once magnificent elephant has been reduced to tiny ivory trinkets.
Pythons are now a purse and belt.
Endangered European hawks are stuffed and mounted on perches, while a rare species of wild cat's skin has been fashioned into a vest. RCMP and federal game officials unveiled Wednesday in Halifax the macabre collection of items made from endangered or controlled species, which they suspect were brought illegally from other countries to a home in Margaretsville, Annapolis County. The Mounties and officials with Environment Canada's wildlife trade enforcement division seized the items last Dec. 16. Environment Canada game officer Les Sampson said the items comprise the largest and most varied collection of such products ever seized in the province. Don Ray, of the RCMP's customs and excise division, said two people could face charges, but they have yet to be interviewed.