Stuff You Should Know Selects: How the Beagle Brigade Works
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Apr 27, 2024 Discover the charming world of the Beagle Brigade, a dedicated team of dogs trained to sniff out smuggled agricultural products at airports. Learn about their rigorous training and remarkable olfactory skills that help protect U.S. agriculture from invasive species. Enjoy hilarious anecdotes, from their daily antics to the serious implications of their work. Plus, get a glimpse into life as a working beagle, with heartwarming stories of companionship and retirement. These adorable detectives truly earn their stripes in the fight against harmful pest invasions!
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The Roasted Pig Incident
- A woman flying from Peru to Atlanta was caught smuggling a whole roasted pig in her luggage.
- She intended it as a holiday meal, but it was confiscated and destroyed by authorities.
Beagle Brigade's Purpose
- The Beagle Brigade protects U.S. agriculture from invasive species and diseases.
- These beagles work as federal agents under the USDA's APHIS program.
History of Agricultural Detection Dogs
- Agricultural detection dogs weren't always used in the U.S.
- The practice originated in Mexico and predates the 1970s.