WorldAugust 29, 2026
poachers
POH-cherz
Definition
Individuals who hunt, trap, or remove wild animals from their natural habitats illegally.
Etymology
Originating from the Middle English 'poche' (bag or pocket), the term originally referred to someone who trapped game in a bag. It evolved to describe the illegal hunting or taking of animals on land belonging to someone else or in restricted areas.
In the news
The article uses 'poachers' to describe the criminals who steal native box turtles from the wild to supply the illegal exotic pet trade. These poachers contribute to a decline in wild turtle populations by treating them as disposable commodities.
After an Airport Bust, Some Rescued Reptiles Found a Haven in the Bronx
Read the full article ↗The New York Times