Wildlife photographer pleads guilty to violating Endangered Species Act

[groundloop]

http://www.wesh.com/news/central-florida/osceola-county/wildlife-photographer-pleads-guilty-to-violating-endangered-species-act/24700816?fb_action_ids=501029033341832&fb_action_types=og.recommends&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=[743815962303355]&action_type_map=[%22og.recommends%22]&action_ref_map=[]

The Snail Kite is an endangered raptor. This "professional" photographer (Jim Neiger) was observed (by University of South Florida researchers) ramming his boat into reeds near Snail Kite nests to scare them into flight so he could get photos.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. How horrifying!

Obviously not a true professional.

He is a blot on the profession.

[groundloop]

3. Yep, I put people like this right "up" there with paparazzi

With them it seems that anything goes in order to get a photo and make a few bucks.

I've had run ins with pro photographers a couple of times which has soured my view of them. One was trying to order parents to move from the finish line at a large cross country meet so he could get photos of the finish without shadows. These parents had been there for quite some time to be able to see their kids finish, some of them moved but I politely declined. Later on the same guy made it a point to jump in front of me as I was taking photos.... asshole.

Anyway, I certainly hope this wildlife photographer gets the book thrown at him. You'd think someone in such a position would have a greater respect for the law.

[Hoppy]

2. Timber Rattler is endangered in N.J.

About 10 years ago, there was a newspaper article of an amateur photographer who was in hospital after being bitten by one when he reached down to "adjust" the snake so he could get a better picture.

--- then he was fined $2,000. for his troubles.

[Solly Mack]

4. It is bad that I want to laugh?

[Curmudgeoness]

6. Oh, it is not bad at all.

In fact, it would be bad if you didn't laugh.

Either that, or we both are bad.

[Solly Mack]

5. That's not very nice.

Or professional.

[Hoppy]

7. an even better one....

About 8 years ago, Joyce and I were in San Francisco and the Examiner carried a story about a guy who was at a picnic with his friends. They found a Western Diamondback and the guy picked it up and was holding it, looking at it, eye to eye. (Yes, alcohol was involved.)


The snake flicked out its tongue so our hero flicked out his tongue in response. The snake lunged forward and bit the guy on his tongue. The guy's tongue swelled up and he suffocated.

DARWIN !