K9 Luna Sniffs Out Striped Bass Poachers Along Housatonic River

It's been a great year for anglers in Connecticut, and for those who love our native sea bass, your luck may be a little better in 2025 thanks to the sharp eyes of two EnCon officers and their K9 companion.

It's been a great week for the good humans who defend our wildlife against the bad humans of Connecticut. The Connecticut State Environmental Conservation Police have just announced that two EnCon Officers and K9 Luna were out patrolling the Housatonic River for poachers yesterday (12-17-24). The Officers and K9 Luna were able to see a group of 6 people fishing along the side of the river, and one of them was observed to carry 'something heavy' across the street and return empty-handed to continue fishing.

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According to the post, two of the six didn't have fishing licenses, and all 6 claimed that they were not fishing for striped bass. But, K9 Luna knew something was ..uh, off? Luna sniffed out four hidden bags on the opposite side of the road that contained 34 undersized striped bass. The group was issued 64 striped bass violations and 2 license violations to the tune of almost $5,000. The good news? Besides the poachers getting caught? All of the fish were then donated to a non-profit wildlife rehabber.

Most of the commenters on EnCon's post send out hearty congrats to K9 Luna and the two EnCon officers, while some say 'The fines are not enough'. A few have asked for the names of the poachers to be released, even jail time. I say "Good job'.