WDFW seizes 16 illegally trafficked invasive newts

May 6-Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police referred charges to the Whatcom County Prosecutor's Office last week after seizing 16 illegally trafficked newts carrying a potentially transmissible disease from an Everson man, a news release from the WDFW stated.

State law prohibits the Anatolia newt and marbled newt from being possessed, introduced or trafficked without authorization in Washington state.

These newt species are classified as prohibited Level 3 invasive species, which categorizes non-native aquatic animals that pose a moderate-to-high risk to the environment and require management to prevent their spread.

Late last year, WDFW learned of a potentially transmissible disease affecting amphibians in the U.S. pet trade. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), a Boston amphibian dealer and breeder had been unlawfully acquiring federally prohibited species carrying the unknown virus from Europe.

Research suggests these pathogens can spread through direct contact and contaminated environments, with significant mortality rates and risk to native species.

The Boston trafficker's facility held between 300 and 500 amphibians and reptiles exposed to this potentially deadly pathogen, which to date had not been found in the United States. The trafficker, who was not named in the news release, sold and shipped numerous amphibians across the country to other breeders and buyers including one recipient, a breeder, in Washington state.

USFWS worked with the State of Massachusetts to address the trafficker and quarantine the facility affiliated with the University of Massachusetts. In the meantime, WDFW Police identified the Washington buyer.

Multiple search warrants for shipment records were obtained by WDFW Police identifying where the illegal newts were located. The newt breeder, who was not identified by WDFW, was charged with two counts of unlawful use of invasive species in the second degree, a gross misdemeanor, according to the release. If convicted, this would result in a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 for each count.

"These coordinated state and federal efforts prevented the introduction and spread of a high-risk invasive species and a potentially devastating amphibian pathogen in Washington," said Justin Bush, WDFW Aquatic Invasive Species Division manager. "If introduced to the wild, either could have caused severe ecological damage and triggered costly long-term management efforts. This case underscores the importance of early detection and rapid response."

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