By admin 
WINSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) — An Iowa man is facing more than 100 charges in Alabama in connection with a case that involved a critically endangered species native only to the state.
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According to court records, Aiden Throndson was charged with 20 counts of violating the protection of flattened musk turtles by taking or capturing them and 104 counts of taking or selling protected species.
Records say Throndson was arrested Aug. 8 near Highway 278 and County Road 73.
The flattened musk turtle is a critically endangered species unique to Alabama. State and federal laws strictly protect these reptiles due to their extremely limited habitat and dwindling population.
Conservationists also noted that the two largest threats facing the species are pollution and poachers.
“This is one of the most special creatures we can be proud of in Alabama; it’s part of our natural heritage,” said Nelson Brooke with Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “We should be doing everything we can to fight for the future generations to know these creatures still call Alabama home. If they are still thriving here in our river systems, then that means that our river systems are healthy and doing well.”
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Following his arrest, Throndson was given a $100,000 cash bond, along with an additional $5,200 good bond.
WBRC reached out to an attorney representing Throndson, who said they are not commenting at this time.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) declined to comment at time of publication, citing the ongoing investigation.