National Police arrest 6 hunters inside Palo Verde National Park

Officials of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) last weekend conducted inspections in several protected areas in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, resulting in the arrest of six hunters inside Palo Verde National Park, the agency reported Thursday.

Park rangers and National Police officers from Guanacaste also participated in the operation, which included the seizure of dead deers and peccaries, and four rifles, three pistols, ammunition and machetes.

The operation was conducted in Palo Verde and near the protected areas of Barbudal Biological Corridor and Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve.

Costa Rica banned hunting for sport in January 2013 after lawmakers approved an amendment to the Wildlife Law in December 2012.

The law sets fines for sport hunters of up to ₡1.5 million ($3,000) and up to ₡900,000 ($1,800) for people caught trafficking wildlife species.

It allows hunting for personal consumption in limited circumstances, scientific research and wildlife population control. The law does not affect sport fishing.