10/25/2011
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) advises trappers and hunters to obtain a CITES seal for each bobcat and river otter pelt from animals harvested in West Virginia. The plastic seal is necessary only if the pelts will be shipped out of the state. Federal law requires the seal on all bobcat and river otter pelts if they will eventually be shipped to international markets such as those in Canada. The seals must be obtained from the state in which the animals were harvested.
CITES stands for the Convention on International Trade for Endangered Species. Bobcats and river otters are not endangered species; however, they may be confused with similar looking species that can be found on the international market.
CITES seals may be obtained from the DNR’s Elkins Operations Center and any DNR district office. It is recommended that hunters and trappers call ahead to ensure that personnel authorized to seal pelts will be available.
CITES seals may be obtained from the DNR’s Elkins Operations Center and any DNR district office. It is recommended that hunters and trappers call ahead to ensure that personnel authorized to seal pelts will be available. DNR district offices are located at 1110 Railroad Street, Farmington; 1 Depot Street, Romney; West Virginia Wildlife Center, French Creek; 2006 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley; 1163 Wildlife Road (McClintic Wildlife Management Area), Point Pleasant; and 2311 Ohio Avenue, Parkersburg.
Contact Information
Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief
304-558-2771
DNR.Wildlife@wv.gov