The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) have revealed details about several cases of illegal activity in St. Mary’s County during the fall of 2024. These cases, ranging from poaching to animal cruelty and illegal oyster harvesting, highlight ongoing efforts to protect the region’s natural resources.
Poaching on Private Property in Lexington Park
In September, NRP officers responded to reports of illegal deer hunting on private property in the Great Mills area of Lexington Park. When officers arrived, they found evidence of a recently killed deer, including blood trails and trail-camera photos showing two individuals on the property. A K9 team was brought in to track the blood trail, leading officers to a nearby residence.
At the residence, officers found a group of men cooking deer meat. They also recovered an air rifle equipped with a laser scope, air rifle pellets, and the deer’s skull and antlers. Two men, aged 24 and 29, admitted to their involvement. They were charged with trespassing, hunting without a license, hunting on private property without permission, nighttime hunting, and failure to report the kill.
Animal Cruelty Investigation in Hollywood
In October, NRP officers and St. Mary’s County Animal Control investigated a Hollywood man for illegally keeping dozens of wild animals on his property. Authorities found 43 eastern box turtles, three eastern painted turtles, and a black vulture confined in unsanitary conditions. The turtles were kept in a pool filled with dirty water, insect larvae, and waste.
The animals were transported to the Phoenix Wildlife Center, where several turtles required euthanasia due to illness and malnourishment. The property owner, a 71-year-old man, was charged with 48 counts of animal cruelty and 53 counts of illegal possession of wildlife without permits. He also faces three additional charges for failing to obtain proper permits. Each offense carries a maximum fine of $1,000.
Illegal Oyster Harvesting on the Potomac River
NRP officers also caught two individuals illegally harvesting oysters on the Potomac River near Jones Shore Bar in November. Officers conducting surveillance observed a vessel using hand scrapes in a hand tong-only area. Upon inspection, they found 11 bushels of illegally harvested oysters onboard.
The suspects, a 23-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, both from Hollywood, were charged under Potomac River Fisheries Commission regulations. The violations, which include using prohibited equipment, could result in fines of $500 for each individual.
A Call to Action for Conservation
These cases highlight the importance of enforcing natural resource laws to protect wildlife and ecosystems in St. Mary’s County. From poaching to habitat destruction, illegal activities pose a significant threat to the region’s environmental health. Authorities are encouraging residents to report suspicious activities to ensure the preservation of Maryland’s natural resources.
