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Save the listing’s complete URL and screenshots, then report the suspected trade to the wildlife-enforcement or police authority in the country where the seller, buyer, animal, product, or transaction is located. Do not contact or confront the seller. A wildlife listing may be legal or illegal depending on the species, permits, jurisdiction, and transaction details, so describe what you observed and let investigators determine whether a crime occurred.
What to do first
If you have found a suspicious animal, specimen, or wildlife product for sale online, preserve the public information before it disappears. Copy the entire listing URL exactly as displayed and take clear screenshots. Record when you saw it, which platform hosted it, the seller or profile name shown, the listing text, any stated location, and the species or product details claimed by the seller.
Do not buy the item, message the seller, arrange a meeting, pose as a buyer, or attempt an undercover investigation. Those actions can expose you to personal danger, destroy evidence, or interfere with an official investigation. If the activity is happening in person, keep your distance and call the appropriate emergency or law-enforcement service when necessary.
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Step-by-step reporting process
1. Protect yourself and avoid contact
- Do not confront the seller or anyone involved.
- Do not travel to a location shown in the listing.
- Do not handle an animal, carcass, eggs, plants, or other suspected wildlife products to obtain evidence.
- If you are witnessing an in-person crime, remain at a safe distance and prioritize immediate safety over collecting more information.
Photographs or video can be useful, but collect them only when doing so is safe and lawful. A report based on publicly visible information is better than one that puts you at risk.
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2. Preserve the public listing
Wildlife listings can be edited, removed, or moved to another account. Create a contemporaneous record containing:
- The full listing URL, including the complete path after the domain.
- Screenshots showing the listing, the seller or profile name, and relevant text.
- The date and time you viewed the material, including your time zone if it may matter.
- The platform or service where it appeared.
- The location stated in the listing or profile.
- Any claimed species, specimen, derivative, or product description.
- Photos or video that you already possess or can obtain safely.
Keep the original files unchanged. If you crop an image to highlight a detail, retain the uncropped version as well. Do not add annotations to the only copy. Your report should distinguish what the listing actually says from your interpretation of it.
3. Explain why the listing looks suspicious
Write a factual account of what you saw and when. You can point out features that concern you, such as a claimed protected species, a location associated with another country, or language suggesting collection from the wild. Do not state that a crime definitely occurred unless an authority has established that fact. Use wording such as “I am concerned this may involve an illegal wildlife sale because…” and then identify the observable details.
Include the relevant context without guessing. If the listing claims that an animal is captive-bred, legally imported, or covered by a permit, record that claim rather than accepting or rejecting it yourself. Authorities can check species identification, permits, season restrictions, origin, transport, and other facts that are not visible to a viewer.
4. Identify where the suspected trade is taking place
Jurisdiction is often more important than the website’s domain. Consider every location stated or reasonably indicated by the listing: the seller’s location, the buyer’s location, the animal or product’s location, and any advertised shipping or collection point. Cross-border cases may involve more than one national authority.
There is no single worldwide public reporting channel that replaces national enforcement agencies. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) advises members of the public to contact the relevant national law-enforcement agency in the country or countries where the trade is occurring.
5. Send the report to the relevant authority
Use the national wildlife-enforcement, environmental-enforcement, customs, or police reporting channel applicable to the location. Follow that agency’s instructions for online tips, telephone reports, attachments, and anonymous submissions. Provide the URL and screenshots first, then the date, platform, seller name, stated location, claimed species or product, and a concise explanation of your concern.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf you are in the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) provides an online tip option and lists the FWS TIPs line: 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477). The U.S. route is an example for U.S.-connected activity, not a substitute for the authority responsible in another country.
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6. Use the Coalition reporting form when it fits
The Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online accepts reports of suspected illegal wildlife products and says it reviews relevant listings with company partners. TRAFFIC directs people who encounter suspected illegal wildlife trade online to that form. The form currently states that reports from Europe are not accepted, so check its geographic eligibility before submitting.
This route is focused on reviewing online listings and potential action under partner policies. It is not a replacement for reporting a suspected crime to national law enforcement. If the case may involve trafficking, submit it to the appropriate authority even when you also use the Coalition form.
What makes screenshots and records useful
A screenshot should allow someone who was not present to understand what you saw. Capture the listing itself, the account or profile name as displayed, the claimed species or product, the stated location, and any visible date, price, shipping, or collection language. If one image cannot show everything legibly, take several overlapping screenshots rather than reducing the text to an unreadable size. Keep the original captures and note which file corresponds to which part of the page.
Copy the URL separately instead of relying on an image of an address bar. If the platform uses a short link, redirect, or changing page address, preserve the exact link you received and explain how you reached the listing. Record the time you viewed it and your time zone. Do not repeatedly refresh, alter, download, or interact with the listing merely to obtain more evidence. The goal is to preserve what was publicly visible, not to test the seller.
If the offer appears in a social network, chat application, peer-to-peer service, email, marketplace, or another online channel, identify that channel precisely. CITES uses “internet-linked wildlife crime” broadly; it is not limited to a conventional marketplace. If you encounter a suspicious message in a private chat, save the message and the sender’s displayed account details if you can do so safely, then use the service’s reporting function and the relevant national authority. Do not join a hidden forum, enter a dark-web service, or solicit additional material to strengthen a report.
Where to report: authority, geography, and purpose
| Route | Best use | Geography | What to provide |
|---|---|---|---|
| National wildlife or other law-enforcement agency | Investigation of suspected wildlife crime | The country or countries where the trade is taking place | Full URL, screenshots, dates, platform, seller/profile name, stated location, claimed species or product, and factual context |
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | U.S.-connected wildlife tips | United States matters handled through USFWS channels | Online tip information or a call to 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477), with the preserved listing evidence |
| Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online | Review of suspected illegal products on participating online services | Eligible regions; its current form excludes Europe | Listing details and supporting screenshots requested by the form |
| Platform reporting tool | Flagging content under the service’s own rules | Depends on the platform | The listing URL, screenshots, and a concise explanation; retain evidence before submitting |
These routes serve different purposes. A national agency has authority to assess a possible offence, seek records, identify species, and coordinate across borders. A platform report may lead to review or removal under company rules, but it may not preserve information for an investigation. The Coalition route is a partner-focused review mechanism and has geographic limits. Use the national authority as the primary report when you believe a crime may have occurred, then use a platform or Coalition form as an additional notice when eligible.
Use the first row whenever you are reporting a suspected crime. A platform-focused review can help a listing receive attention under company policies, but it does not give investigators the powers of a national authority.
Why a suspicious listing is not automatically illegal
Seeing wildlife for sale online is not, by itself, proof of a crime. Some transactions may be permitted under national law, licensing systems, captive-breeding rules, documentation requirements, or specific exemptions. Other listings may violate species protections, collection rules, import or export controls, permit conditions, or local restrictions.
CITES describes internet-linked wildlife crime broadly. It can involve the public web, marketplaces, social networks, chat applications, peer-to-peer networks, email, and the dark web. The same guidance notes that online wildlife sales may be legal or illegal. Because the facts are usually incomplete in a post, report the observable information and allow the authority to verify the species, origin, permits, ownership, and movement of the item.
The CITES Secretariat itself is not an investigative police service. Its official enforcement guidance states: “The CITES Secretariat is not a law enforcement authority and does not conduct investigations.” Reports should ordinarily go to the national law-enforcement agency where the trade is occurring. CITES may help channel information when the Secretariat is the most suitable recipient, but it should not be treated as the default worldwide tip line.
How to write a useful report
A clear report lets an investigator understand the allegation without having to reconstruct the listing from scattered messages. Put the most actionable facts at the top.
- Identify the listing. Paste the complete URL and name the platform.
- Give the viewing time. State the date and time you saw it.
- Identify what was offered. Quote or accurately summarize the claimed species, specimen, or product.
- Identify the account details shown. Include the seller or profile name exactly as displayed and any stated location.
- Describe the concern. Explain which observable details made the listing appear suspicious without declaring a crime as proven.
- Attach evidence. Add screenshots and any safely collected photos or video.
- Explain cross-border clues. Note different countries mentioned for the seller, buyer, animal, product, or transaction.
- State your contact preference. If the reporting channel allows anonymity or follow-up contact, use the option that is safest for you.
For example, a concise opening could read: “On 13 October 2026 at 14:20 UTC, I saw this listing on [platform]. The seller account displayed [name] and stated [location]. The post claims to offer [species or product]. I am concerned it may involve an unlawful wildlife transaction because [specific observable details]. The full URL and screenshots are attached.” Keep the bracketed terms in your own report filled with the facts you actually observed; do not copy assumptions into the submission.
If you are unsure whether the pictured animal is the species named by the seller, say so. “The seller identifies this as X; I cannot verify the identification from the image” is more useful than confidently naming a different species. Likewise, quote claims about permits, captive breeding, or legal importation without trying to authenticate documents yourself.
Anonymity, confidentiality, and possible rewards
USFWS says a person may remain anonymous when reporting. Select an anonymous option where the reporting channel provides one, and avoid including identifying details in the narrative if they are not needed. An anonymous report may limit an investigator’s ability to ask follow-up questions, so weigh privacy against the value of being reachable.
USFWS also advises discussing reward possibility with the special agent who receives the information. Do not assume that a reward exists, will be offered, or will be paid. Any reward depends on the agency’s rules and the facts of the individual case.
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Common mistakes and safer alternatives
Deleting the evidence after reporting
Keep your screenshots, URL record, and original files after submitting a tip. The listing may disappear, and the authority may need the information later. Store copies securely and do not publicly repost sensitive material.
Messaging the seller for proof
Do not ask for additional photographs, permits, prices, or delivery details. Contact can alert the seller, expose you to fraud or retaliation, and create an unsafe encounter. Report what is already visible.
Guessing the species or law
Species identification from a photograph can be difficult, and rules vary by jurisdiction. Describe the seller’s claim and the visible features, then explain your uncertainty. Investigators can obtain expert identification and check the applicable law.
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Submitting only to CITES does not replace a national report because the CITES Secretariat does not conduct investigations. Start with the responsible national authority for the place or places connected to the trade.
Assuming a platform report is enough
A platform’s review process may address a policy violation or remove a listing, but it may not investigate wildlife offences. Preserve the evidence and notify law enforcement separately when you suspect a crime.
Continuing to monitor the seller yourself
Do not follow, infiltrate, or repeatedly contact accounts. If you notice a new public listing, save its URL and report the new information through the same official channel rather than conducting your own surveillance.
Posting accusations publicly
Do not publish the seller’s personal information or accuse an account of trafficking on social media. Public accusations can create legal and safety risks, alert a suspect, and expose other people’s private data. Give the details directly to the authority and platform that can act on them.
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What to expect after submitting
Agencies decide whether the information falls within their jurisdiction, whether further evidence is needed, and whether an investigation is appropriate. You may not receive details about investigative steps, even when a report is useful. Keep the submission confirmation or reference number if one is provided, and respond only through the official channel if investigators request clarification.
If the first agency says the matter belongs elsewhere, ask which national authority covers the relevant seller, buyer, animal, product, or transaction location. For a cross-border case, provide the same preserved evidence to each appropriate authority rather than changing the original files or account of events.
Do not assume that a removed listing means the matter is closed. A platform may remove content for a policy reason without contacting law enforcement, while an agency may continue assessing a case without telling you. Keep your records secure and avoid discussing operational details in public forums.
Quick checklist before you press submit
- I have copied the complete listing URL.
- I saved screenshots showing the listing and account details.
- I recorded the date and time I viewed it.
- I named the platform and seller or profile as displayed.
- I recorded the stated location and claimed species or product.
- I described why the listing concerns me without presenting suspicion as proven fact.
- I identified the country or countries connected to the trade.
- I removed no identifying evidence from the original files.
- I chose a reporting channel that covers the relevant jurisdiction.
- I did not contact the seller or put myself in danger.
The essential rule
Document first, report to the responsible national authority, and stay safe. A complete URL, reliable screenshots, dates, account details, location information, and a careful description give investigators something they can assess. The fact that a post looks suspicious is a reason to report it—not proof that the sale is illegal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I report wildlife trafficking online?
Report it to the national wildlife, environmental, customs, or police authority in the country or countries where the seller, buyer, animal, product, or transaction is located. In the United States, USFWS lists an online tip route and 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477). You may also use a platform reporting tool and, where eligible, the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online, but those routes do not replace national law enforcement.
What should I screenshot when reporting an illegal wildlife sale?
Capture the listing, seller or profile name, relevant text, claimed species or product, stated location, and any visible transaction or shipping details. Save the full URL separately, record the date and time viewed, and retain the original uncropped files.
Can I report wildlife crime anonymously?
USFWS says reports may be anonymous. Use an anonymous option when the channel offers one and omit unnecessary identifying details. Consider that anonymity can prevent investigators from asking follow-up questions. Never assume a reward is available; ask the receiving special agent about that possibility.
Should I message the seller to confirm the species or ask for a permit?
No. Do not contact, buy from, meet, or investigate the seller. Preserve what is already public and describe the seller’s claims, including any claim of captive breeding or legal permits, so authorities can verify them.
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No. Online wildlife sales may be legal or illegal depending on species, origin, permits, documentation, and the laws of each jurisdiction. A suspicious appearance is a reason to report observable facts, not proof that a crime occurred.
Does CITES investigate online wildlife crime?
No. CITES states that its Secretariat is not a law-enforcement authority and does not conduct investigations. Contact the relevant national law-enforcement agency where the trade is taking place; CITES may help channel information in limited circumstances.
The Bottom Line
Preserve the complete URL and screenshots, avoid contact with the seller, and report the facts to the national authority responsible for the locations connected to the trade. Use platform or Coalition forms only as additional routes, protect your identity and safety, and let investigators decide whether the listing violates the law.
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