Two aquatic animal dealers convicted in eight counties for shipping illegal animals to schools, businesses

GREEN BAY, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Two national aquatic animal dealers were convicted in eight Wisconsin counties for shipping illegal and invasive animals to schools, residents and businesses.

According to a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) news release, the Department launched an investigation into the illegal dealings after an educational outreach was conducted with the intent of teaching suppliers on the dangers of shipping invasive species to the state. Two companies did not heed the warnings and continued to engage in the practice, resulting in the DNR setting in motion the investigation, assigning Conservation Wardens Sam Haferkorn and Ryan Caputo to the case.

The two Wardens discovered shipments of suspected illegal crayfish being harbored by the companies in question.

The North Carolina and Indiana-based dealers were issued 20 citations for the offense, and they were convicted on those citations in March and April of 2025. One of the suppliers was charged in the circuit courts of Barron, Brown, Chippewa, Marinette, Milwaukee, Sauk, Sheboygan, and Washington counties. The second was convicted of its 20 citations in the Brown County Circuit Court.

Non-native crayfish are illegal in Wisconsin for several reasons: disease concerns, their ability to outcompete native species, and the substantial cost of restoring infested sites.

DNR Administrative Warden and head of the Aquatic Species in Trade Enforcement Program, Lieutenant Robert Stroess, commented on the infractions, urging consumers to abide by state law.

“In addition to companies learning the Wisconsin laws, we also advise consumers, whether they’re buying for a crayfish boil or for educational purposes, to educate themselves about the legal species and the companies with whom they place orders. Our waters and native aquatic species are important to Wisconsin and we can work together to keep them healthy and thriving.”

Visit the DNR’s website for more information.