The Department of Environmental Conservation said they arrested and charged a Columbia County man Monday with illegal commercialization of wildlife. The Times Union says the man stands accused of selling a black rhino skull, which the DEC says is a critically endangered species.

While laws have been put in place to help bring back the species from extinction, poaching and other illegal activities continue. The DEC says it's illegal in New York state to sell any pat of a rhino. 

The man's identity has not yet been released. More details as they emerge.

The severity of the punishment will depend on the value of the skull.

Listen to Middays With Hopkins on weekdays from 10AM to 2PM on 101.5 WPDH. Stream us live through the website, Alexa-enabled device, Google Home or the WPDH mobile app.

Read more:

BONUS VIDEO

More From Hudson Valley Post