Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Tuesday announced his intent to push for harsher penalties on those who poach wildlife. In the past, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has reported trafficking of alligators, black bears, turtles, reef fish, sharks, and others. “Today’s announcement of increased penalties for poaching ensures our officers have the resources they need to hold criminals accountable,” Young said. In 2021 the legislature passed another round of enhanced penalties for wildlife poaching under the Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. “Poachers who unlawfully discharge firearms near Florida homes are not just stealing our wildlife but endangering families and neighborhoods,” Uthmeier said.