Undercover footage has revealed the illegal sale of ivory and other wildlife parts in Pennsylvania.

The Humane World for Animals released the results of an investigation into the illegal sale of animal materials across the region.

From January to March this year, investigators visited more than 60 locations across 27 counties.

They found 383 ivory items for sale in 18 counties of the state, including parts from elephants, hippos, and whales. The total value of these items was nearly 38,000 USD.

Among the grisly offerings were jewellery, figurines, tusk carvings, game pieces, and even a taxidermied giraffe head, which one vendor priced at 6,000 USD.

Many items were mislabeled, some marked as bone, and none were accompanied by federal documentation or permits when requested.

Whitney Teamus, senior director of investigations, called the findings' alarming' and noted they were worse than similar stings conducted in Connecticut and Florida.

Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania director for Humane World for Animals, said the state must not support this 'cruel and senseless global trade'.

She added: 'Our investigation shows the depth and breadth of ivory and other animal parts for sale across our state. Lawmakers are doing the right thing by prioritising this critical issue.'

Representative Leanne Krueger has introduced House Bill 994 to close legal loopholes and ban the in-state sale of items from imperilled species such as giraffes and hippos.

HB 994 passed the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 25 to 1 on Monday, June 2.

Krueger said: 'Other states have already passed laws to combat wildlife trafficking, and it's time for Pennsylvania to do the same. We have a responsibility to ensure Pennsylvania residents are not supporting poaching and trafficking purposefully or unwittingly.'

Gabe Wigtil, director of the wildlife trafficking program, warned that elephant ivory is often harvested while the animals are still alive.