Endangered black bear skin found in mail from US  

美国寄来邮件标写地毯 海关检查竟是黑熊皮

在一件来自美国、申报为地毯的邮件中，竟然装着一张带有头部及四肢的完整黑熊皮。20日，记者获悉，由于黑熊属于国家二级保护动物，收件人又无法提交相关进口许可证件，目前青岛海关已将该邮件查扣，将作进一步调查处理。[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- Mail containing black bear skin, with head and limbs still attached, was intercepted en-route from the United States in Qingdao of China's Shandong province, local newspaper reported.

Local custom officials made the discovery following an x-ray inspection of an irregularly shaped item amidst mail ostensibly transporting carpets from Alaska.

"Its mouth and eyes were open, with teeth and tongue intact, all making it seem still alive," a staff member commented.

As a Class II protected animal, the import of black bear skin needs certification.

According to regulations, the import and export of endangered wild animals as well as plants and all related products for commercial purposes are banned.

For special purposes such as scientific research, artificial naturalization and propagation as well as cultural exchange, the import and export of endangered wildlife must be approved by departments under the state council in charge of the management of wild fauna and flora.

The skin is currently kept in the custody of the local customs department while investigations remain underway.