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US: International Trade Threatens Native Turtles

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Federal wildlife authorities hope they will be successful at getting a new rule put into place that would require permits to ship four native freshwater turtles overseas.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials say a booming international trade in turtles is putting too much pressure on turtle populations nationwide.

The proposed rule would require exporters to get permits before shipping the common snapping turtle, the Florida softshell turtle, the smooth softshell turtle and the spiny softshell turtle. None of those species are currently in danger of extinction, but the wildlife service says increasing demands in Asian and other international markets pose a threat to their long-term survival.

The public has until Dec. 29 to comment on the wildlife service's proposed rule to require the shipping permits.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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