Watch CBS News

Dolphin skull found in luggage at Detroit Metro Airport

ROMULUS, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents discovered a dolphin skull in unaccompanied luggage at Detroit Metro Airport last week.

detfo-dma-release-dolphin-skull-1-2023.jpg
A skull from a young dolphin was found in luggage at the Detroit Metro Airport last week. U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The luggage was unintentionally separated from its owner during travel, and when the luggage reentered the country, X-ray screenings showed an image of what appeared to be a skull-shaped object.

Further investigation by customs agents and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials determined the object was a skull from a young dolphin.

"Certain fish and wildlife, and products made from them, are subject to import and export restrictions, prohibitions, permits or certificates, as well as other requirements," according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. "This includes wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks or invertebrates, and any animal part or product, to include skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs."

The dolphin skull was seized and turned over to law enforcement wildlife inspectors for investigation.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.