ALERT: Louisiana Reptile Ban

“There are now permit requirements to possess prohibited and restricted nonnative reptile and amphibian species, as well as continued permitting requirements to possess Restricted Snakes (constrictor snakes greater than 8 feet in length, and venomous snakes which include both nonnative and native species). Each permit is free of charge. The deadline to submit applications and acquire a permit is January 20, 2026. In an effort to streamline the permitting process and keep paperwork to a minimum, we have combined the previous Restricted Snake Permit with the new Restricted Reptile and Amphibian Species Permit.

There are two permit applications: (1) Permit Application for Temporary Exemption to Possess Prohibited Nonnative Reptile and Amphibian Species for Personal Use and (2) Permit Application for Possession of Restricted Reptile and Amphibian Species. You can type directly into the file and submit the completed application via reply to LDWFHerps@wlf.la.gov or if preferred, you can print and mail the completed application and supporting materials to: LDWF Attn: Keri Lejeune, 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506.

*If you are in possession of prohibited AND restricted reptile/amphibian species, you will need to complete both applications.

**What to submit: (1) the appropriate, completed permit application(s), (2) a signed Hold Harmless Agreement which is attached to the application, and (3) photograph(s) of your prohibited and/or restricted species and enclosures showing locking mechanisms.

***For photographs of prohibited species, be sure to take a dorsal view (top down) picture of each animal.

The permit for prohibited species will be renewed every 2 years with the first expiration date of December 31, 2027. The permit for restricted species will be renewed annually with the first expiration date of December 31, 2026. Permit holders will have 30 days from the expiration date to acquire a renewal permit.” – Keri Lejeune/LDWF State Herpetologist

Email LDWFHerps@wlf.la.gov or call 337-735-8676 if you have any questions.

You can download the permit below or email LDWFHerps@wlf.la.gov

Restricted Herp Permit Application: https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/LDWF_Permit-Application_Restricted-Reptile-Amphibian-Species_2025-2026_fillable.pdf

Prohibited Nonnative Herp Permit Application: https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/LDWF_Permit-Application_Prohibited-Nonnative-Reptile-Amphibian-Species_2025-2027_fillable.pdf

The post in the register starts on page 75 at https://www.doa.la.gov/media/3jqhlpuq/2501.pdf.

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UPDATE 11/7/24: Following public comment, the Commission approved the amended proposal. USARK, a private attorney, and a venomous keeper were the only ones who spoke opposing the Prohibited Species ban. A turtle farmer and two recreational turtle fishermen spoke, in addition to a few people supporting the bans. 

The effective date should be either December 20, or January 20. Following the effective date there will be a window to register any animals that you currently own: 365 days for Prohibted Species and 180 days for certain native turtles. This means enforcement of the Prohibited and Restricted Species will begin in 14-15 months. Until that time (possibly January 20, 2026), Prohibited Species can still be bred, sold, acquired, imported, etc. as previously.

There were several changes made during the process, including extension of the grandfathering period, snake cage requirements, and turtle regulations. Thank you to everyone who worked to make those changes happen.

What did not change was the Prohibited Species List. Those species are listed below. 

We will provide further updates as they become available. The Department still needs to create the grandfathering permit system. 

Prohibited Species List:

All crocodilians;
All species in the Genera Salvator and Tupinambis, including the Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae);
Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus);
Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus);
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana);
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei);
Burmese Python (Python bivittatus);
Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis);
All Genera in the Family Atractaspididae (stiletto snakes);
All species in the Genera Dispholidus (boomslangs), Thelotornis (twig snakes), and Rhabdophis (keelback snakes) of the Family Colubridae;
All species in the Genera Naja, Ophiophagus, Pseudohaje,
Aspidelaps, and Walterinnesia (cobras); Dendroaspis (mambas), Oxyuranus (taipans), and Bungarus (kraits) of the Family Elapidae;
Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis);
Cane Toad (Rhinella marina);
African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis).

Changes to the Restricted Species list (permitted, not banned): 

The previously listed snake species will need permits at any size, not just after they attain 8′, and the species below were added:

Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator);
Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus);
Gray’s American Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis);
Northern Curly-tailed Lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus armouri);
Peter’s Rock Agama (Agama picticauda).

The full regulation can be found at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24-LA-herp-NOI-2.pdf.

UPDATE 10/22/24: Thank you to everyone who showed up and spoke today at the LDWF meeting! You did a great job representing responsible reptile keepers. USARK President Phil Goss was there and reminded LDWF that they are required under state statute to provide science and valid data to support its banned species listings. This has not been done.

The new draft rules will be presented to the Commissioners at the Thursday, November 7 Commission meeting. The Commissioners will vote at that time. Public comment will be allowed. PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING AND VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION!

UPDATE 9/16/24: The updated text is posted at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24-LA-herp-NOI-2.pdf. The changes are highlighted. Underlined text is new and strikethrough text has been deleted.

Comments must be submitted before October 22 to klejeune@wlf.la.gov or by mail to Keri Lejeune, LDWF State Herpetologist, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506.

Thanks to the feedback and input from responsible herpetoculturists, there were some practical changes made, but some concerns remain:

1. The Prohibited List (see pages 30-31) is still the same (with the addition of the brown tree snake). Most of these species should not be listed as Prohibited.
2. Supportive science has not been presented for the Prohibited Species listings. 
3. Some vague language regarding turtle breeding/farming.

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UPDATE 9/5/24: The amendments (changes from the previous version) were presented at today’s Commission Meeting. Only two herpetoculturists spoke regarding the rules: a Louisiana turtle breeder and Phil Goss of USARK. The Commissioners accepted the amendments. This opens a new public comment period until October 22. The Commissioners will receive the public comments at a future meeting. LDWF will hold a meeting/workshop to discuss the changes on the date and location below. We will post the changes as soon as we receive the final copy (which will not be posted in the State Register until September 20, but we will get the document posted ASAP).

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on October 21.

It is important to do BOTH steps below!

STEP 1: Take 30 seconds to send this letter: https://ujoin.co/campaigns/2943/actions/public?action_id=3545

STEP 2: Take one minute to copy/paste (Google copy/paste if you do not know how to) the email below and send it from your email.

Comment email: klejeune@wlf.la.gov

Email/letter/fax subject line (use this or similar): NO to Reptile Bans

Sample Letter (Please edit and personalize. Be civil and professional!)

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commissioners and Keri Lejeune,

I am a Louisiana resident who opposes the Department’s proposal to ban many reptile and amphibian species in Louisiana by amending LAC 76:XV.101 of the Louisiana Administrative Code. I find this proposal to be unscientific, baseless, unjust, and biased.

As a responsible animal owner who does not want to see government overreach, I ask for the following:

1. All of these species should be regulated, if supporting science can be presented, and not Prohibited. This will allow the Department to oversee those who are serious about keeping these species and punish those who are irresponsible while also curbing a black market: All species in the Genera Salvator and Tupinambis, including the Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae), Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus), Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), Burmese Python (Python bivittatus), All crocodilians, All species in the Genera Naja, Ophiophagus, Pseudohaje, Aspidelaps, and Walterinnesia (cobras); Dendroaspis (mambas), and Bungarus (kraits) of the Family Elapidae.
2. Legitimate science to support prohibited and restricted species listings.
3. Work with licensed turtle farmers to fix issues with the new regulation language.

I am concerned with the conservation of Louisiana’s fauna and environment. History has shown that practical regulation works better than unjust prohibitions. Just like good hunters and anglers, reptile and amphibian keepers are some of the best stewards of our state’s natural resources. It is not the role of the government to remove freedoms from good citizens, especially when the grounds for that injustice are arbitrary and capricious.

Stating, “It happened in Florida,” is not a valid argument since the warmest areas of southern Louisiana are still much colder than the area of Florida, where invasive reptiles are a problem for that state. The Department must compare apples to apples and provide legitimate science to substantiate bans.

I do support sensible changes, including bans on releasing captive herps and the unnecessary killing of herps. Thank you for your time and consideration of this complex matter. Have a good day.

P.S. Please send a receipt email acknowledging my comment was received and entered into the record.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

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UPDATE 10/15/24: The new draft rules will be presented to the Commissioners at the Thursday, November 7 Commission meeting. The Commissioners will vote at that time. Public comment will be allowed.

UPDATE 9/16/24: The updated text is posted at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/24-LA-herp-NOI-2.pdf. The changes are highlighted. Underlined text is new and strikethrough text has been deleted.

Comments must be submitted before October 22 to klejeune@wlf.la.gov or by mail to Keri Lejeune, LDWF State Herpetologist, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506.

Thanks to the feedback and input from responsible herpetoculturists, there were some practical changes made, but some concerns remain:

1. The Prohibited List (see pages 30-31) is still the same (with the addition of the brown tree snake). Most of these species should be regulated through the Restricted Species Permit and not listed as Prohibited.
2. A lack of supportive science has not been presented for the Prohibited Species listings. 
3. Some vague language regarding turtle breeding/farming.

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UPDATE 9/5/24: The amendments (changes from the previous version) were presented at today’s Commission Meeting. Only two herpetoculturists spoke regarding the rules: a Louisiana turtle breeder and Phil Goss of USARK. The Commissioners accepted the amendments. This opens a new public comment period until October 22. The Commissioners will receive the public comments at a future meeting. LDWF will hold a meeting/workshop to discuss the changes on the date and location below. We will post the changes as soon as we receive the final copy (which will not be posted in the State Register until September 20, but we will get the document posted ASAP).

UPDATE 8/30/24: The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries just posted the agenda for the Next Commission Meeting after noon local time (CST) today. This gives only two working business days of notice before the meeting (since Monday is a federal holiday, Labor Day).

The amended herp regulations will be presented on Thursday, September 5. The meeting starts at 9:30, and this is agenda item #9. See the agenda at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/news/louisiana-wildlife-and-fisheries-commission-to-meet-on-september-5-in-baton-rouge?.

The comment deadline was 11:59 PM Central on March 5, 2024.

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UPDATE 3/2/24: NEW LEGISLATION ALSO PROPOSED! Representative Polly Thomas has prefiled House Bill 531 which mirrors the regulatory changes and places them into statute. This also needs to be opposed until the regulation proposal can be amended. HB531 is pending assignment to the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee. The Louisiana legislative session begins on March 11 and adjourns on June 6.

Read HB531 at https://legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=1351405.

See the bill information at https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=24RS&b=HB531&sbi=y.

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UPDATE 3/1/24: The March 7 Commission Meeting agenda was just posted and this issue is on the agenda. This means the Commissioners will hear public comments and may vote at that time. The comment deadline is 11:59 PM Central on March 5, 2024.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has proposed extensive regulation changes regarding herps, both native and non-native. We will include some highlights below but anyone who may be affected should review the proposal.

Please understand how to read the document. Anything in plain text is current regulation. Strikethrough text is being removed. Underlined text is the new language. Some of the changes are merely wording of the current regulations. Some of it is just italicizing scientific names for species already regulated. This may seem like a lot to read but there is no way to shorten it. We have streamlined the changes for you. There are a lot of proposed changes.

Comment Information and deadline: The deadline to comment is 11:59 PM CST on March 5, 2024.

Comments may be submitted by email: klejeune@wlf.la.gov
By mail: to Keri Lejeune, LDWF State Herpetologist, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, 200 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506

We have some key changes below and the full document is at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/24-LA-Regs.pdf.

Some main changes:

• The Department claims that the changes will have “no known impact on small businesses” but an economic study was not actually done.
• While some injurious snake species are already regulated, the following text will be added meaning it applies to 201 species of salamanders and all other species listed as injurious under the Lacey Act. Note that this applies only to import and transport:

  No person shall import or transport into the state any species of reptile or amphibian, as listed as injurious wildlife under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42), and all associated rules therein.

•  The Venomous and Large Constricting Snakes regulation is being renamed Nonnative Amphibians and Reptiles, and All Venomous Snakes:
  • Currently, this applies to listed snakes (but not limited to those species) over 12 feet. The new length would be 8 feet.
  • “Restricted snakes” = snakes species longer than 8 feet and listed venomous snakes not listed as Prohibited (see below).
  • Importation and possession are currently regulated. Selling and purchasing (which are also possession) will be added.
  • Same as currently, these actions shall only be allowed via permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for any covered constrictor and venomous snake species not listed as Prohibited (see below).
  • Contrary to the current regulation, this permit will be required for any species that can reach over 8 feet, and not just for individual snakes that are longer than 8 feet.
  • A Restricted Snake Permit will be required for possession of covered constrictor snakes, regardless of size in length.
  • Restricted Snake Permits shall expire annually on the 31st day of December, and must be renewed within 30 days of the expiration date.
  • A Reptile and Amphibian Wholesale/Retail Dealer’s License is required for purchasing or acquiring Restricted Snakes.
  • People in possession of the Restricted Snake species listed will have 120 days from the effective date of this Rule to register those animals with the department and acquire a permit.
• A new section titled Prohibited and Restricted Nonnative Reptiles and Amphibians will be added:
  • People in possession of the species listed will have 120 days from the effective date of this Rule to register those animals with the department and acquire a permit.
  • All species below will be banned:
    • All species in the Genera Salvator and Tupinambis, including the Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae);
    • Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus);
    • Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus);
    • Green Iguana (Iguana iguana);
    • Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei);
    • Burmese Python (Python bivittatus);
    • All crocodilians;
    • All Genera in the Family Atractaspididae (stiletto snakes);
    • All species in the Genera Dispholidus (boomslangs), Thelotornis (twig snakes), and Rhabdophis (keelback snakes) of the Family Colubridae;
    • All species in the Genera Naja, Ophiophagus, Pseudohaje, Aspidelaps, and Walterinnesia (cobras); Dendroaspis (mambas), Oxyuranus (taipans), and Bungarus (kraits) of the Family Elapidae;
    • Cuban Treefrog (Osteopilus septentrionalis);
    • Cane Toad (Rhinella marina);
    • African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis).
  • See the relevant section of the document for the Prohibited Species permit requirements.
•  The species below will also be labeled as Restricted and can only be possessed with a permit:
  • People in possession of the species listed will have 120 days from the effective date of this Rule to register those animals with the department and acquire a permit.
  • Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator);
  • Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregulars);
  • Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus);
  • Gray’s American Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis);
  • Northern Curly-tailed Lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus armouri);
  • Peter’s Rock Agama (Agama picticauda).
• A point to support: It will be unlawful to release, within the state, captive or wild native or nonnative reptiles and amphibians, from within or outside the state, unless approved and permitted by the department.
• Removal or handling of native reptiles and amphibians on State Wildlife Management Areas, Refuges, and Conservation Areas is prohibited without a WMA Access Permit, Self-Clearing Permit, and a Reptile/Amphibian WMA Use Permit from the Department.
• Changes regarding the newly named Scientific Research and Collecting Permit (see document).
• Euthanasia of reptiles or amphibians shall be performed humanely following the guidelines adopted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
• Note the many changes to the “Housing and Maintenance” section of the regulation. Below are just some of them (some are relocated from another section of regulation):
  • FOR ALL SNAKE SPECIES:minimum enclosure size shall be relative to the length of the body and tail and shall be ¾ that length on the longest side, and ⅓ that length on the shortest side and in height. 
  • Potable water shall be accessible at all times and appropriate to meet daily requirements. (This could actually cause health issues for some species.)
  • Snakes—minimum enclosure size shall be relative to the length of the body and tail and shall be ¾ that length on the longest side, and ⅓ that length on the shortest side and in height.
  • Turtles and tortoises—minimum enclosure size shall be based on the straight-line carapace (top shell) length, and shall be 5 times that length on the longest side, 3 times that length on the shortest side, and 2 times that length in height.
  • Lizards—minimum enclosure size shall be based relative to the length of the body and tail and shall be at least 1.5 times that length on the longest side, 1 times on the shortest side, and 1.2 times in height.
• “It shall be unlawful to collect, possess, transport, or export any reptiles or amphibians designated as endangered or threatened, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.” This text appears twice in the proposal. This should be modified and made clear that it includes only Louisiana native species. Hundreds of U.S. non-native species are listed under ESA and the domestic breeding of them under human care has been happening for decades. This domestic breeding is beneficial to the conservation of those species and it should not be banned. The same applies to native species and a permit system can be applied to breeding and sales.
• There are a lot of changes to the Turtle Rules and Regulations:
  • No person shall commercially take, possess, sell, purchase, trade, barter, or exchange, import or export native turtles, their eggs, or any parts thereof, or attempt to commercially take, possess, sell, purchase, trade, barter, exchange, import or export native turtles, their eggs, or any parts thereof.
  • Subsequent to the effective date of this Rule, approval from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries via a Reptile/Amphibian Broodstock Collection Permit is required for
    LDAF licensed turtle farmers to acquire native turtles from the wild, for captive breeding purposes only. (And see more regarding licensed turtle farms.)
  • No person shall collect or possess in the field more than 10 restricted turtles in any combination, as listed in Paragraph G.3 herein, with no individual species to exceed two per person at any time, except for the Alligator Snapping Turtle which shall be restricted to one per person per day and a possession limit of one unless approved and permitted by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for scientific, exhibition, or educational use.
  • Persons engaged in collection and possession of native turtles for recreational purposes shall possess a basic recreational fishing license, including a Reptile/Amphibian WMA Use Permit, with mandatory reporting, for collection on Department of Wildlife and Fisheries owned or managed lands that shall be acquired from the department’s State Herpetologist or their designee.
  • No person shall collect, possess, transport, or export prohibited turtle species (see below) unless approved and permitted by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for scientific, exhibition, or educational use. Individuals exceeding the possession limit for restricted turtles or in possession of prohibited turtles shall have 120 days from the effective date of this rule to register those turtles with the department’s State Herpetologist or their designee.
  • It is unlawful to collect, possess, transport, or export any turtles designated as endangered or threatened, pursuant to the federal Endangered Species Act.
  • Collection of eggs of any native turtle species is prohibited.
  • Possession of more than two box turtles, regardless of species, is prohibited.
  • Disruption, damage, or destruction to gopher tortoise burrows is prohibited.
  • List of restricted turtles:
    • Snapping Turtle—Chelydra serpentina;
    • Alligator Snapping Turtle—Macrochelys temminckii;
    • Mississippi Mud Turtle—Kinosternon subrubrum hippocrepis;
    • Razor-backed Musk Turtle—Sternotherus carinatus;
    • Eastern Musk Turtle—Sternotherus odoratus;
    • Southern Painted Turtle—Chrysemys dorsalis;
    • Ouachita Map Turtle—Graptemys ouachitensis;
    • Mississippi Map Turtle—Graptemys pseudogeographica kohnii;
    • Sabine Map Turtle—Graptemys sabinensis;
    • Box Turtles—Terrapene sp.
    • Eastern River Cooter—Pseudemys concinna concinna;
    • Red-eared Slider—Trachemys scripta elegans;
    • Smooth Softshell—Apalone mutica;
    • Spiny Softshell—Apalone spinifera;
  • List of Prohibited Turtles
    • Stripe-necked Musk Turtle—Sternothus minor peltifer;
    • Eastern Chicken Turtle—Deirochelys reticularia reticularia;
    • Western Chicken Turtle—Deirochelys reticularia miaria;
    • Ringed Map Turtle—Graptemys oculifera; Federally Threatened;
    • Pearl River Map Turtle—Graptemys pearlensis;
    • Mississippi Diamond-backed Terrapin—Malaclemys terrapin pileata;
    • Gopher Tortoise—Gopherus polyphemus; Federally Threatened;
    • Green Sea Turtle—Chelonia mydas; Federally Threatened;
    • Loggerhead Sea Turtle—Caretta caretta; Federally Threatened;
    • Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle—Lepidochelys kempii; Federally Endangered;
    • Hawksbill Sea Turtle—Eretmochelys imbricata; Federally Endangered;
    • Leatherback Sea Turtle—Dermochelys coriacea; Federally Endangered.
  • Transport and release of turtles from within or outside of the state is prohibited unless permitted by the department.
  • New turtle trap regulations.
• A Reptile and Amphibian Collector’s License is required to commercially collect and sell native reptiles and amphibians.
• A Reptile and Amphibian Wholesale/Retail Dealer’s License is required for purchasing or acquiring native reptiles and amphibians, from within or outside the state, for sale or resale, or possessing native reptiles and amphibians for propagation for sale.
• List of amphibians and reptiles that may not be killed or removed from the wild without a department-issued permit:
  • Eastern Tiger Salamander—Ambystoma tigrinum;
  • Four-toed Salamander—Hemidactylium scutatum;
  • Valentine’s Southern Dusky Salamander—Desmognathus valentinei;
  • Southeastern Dwarf Salamander—Eurycea quadridigitata;
  • Southern Red-backed Salamander—Plethodon serratus;
  • Webster’s Salamander—Plethodon websteri;
  • Louisiana Slimy Salamander—Plethodon kisatchie;
  • Mud Salamander—Pseudotriton montanus flavissimus;
  • Red Salamander—Pseudotriton ruber vioscai;
  • Strecker’s Chorus Frog—Pseudacris streckeri;
  • Southern Crawfish Frog—Lithobates areolatus areolatus;
  • Red River Mudpuppy—Necturus louisianensis;
  • Southern Prairie Skink—Plestiodon septentrionalis obtusirostris;
  • Western Wormsnake—Carphophis vermis;
  • Common Rainbow Snake—Farancia erytrogramma erytrogramma;
  • Eastern Hog-nosed Snake—Heterodon platirhinos;
  • Northern Mole Kingsnake—Lampropeltis rhombomaculata;
  • Pinewoods Littersnake—Rhadinaea flavilata;
  • Southeastern Crowned Snake—Tantilla coronata;
  • Harlequin Coralsnake—Micrurus fulvius;
  • Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake—Crotalus adamanteus.

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Sample Messaging (Please edit and personalize. Be civil and professional!)

Comments may be submitted by email: klejeune@wlf.la.gov

Email/letter/fax subject line (use this or similar): NO to Reptile Ban and HB531

Sample Letter

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Commissioners and Secretary,

I write today as a Louisiana resident and responsible animal owner who opposes the Department’s proposal to ban and over-regulate many reptile and amphibian species in Louisiana by amending LAC 76:XV.101 of the Louisiana Administrative Code. I find this proposal to be unscientific, baseless, unjust, and biased.

This regulation overhaul emulates a violation of due process. Clearly, legitimate subject matter experts and affected stakeholders were not consulted. For example, some of the new regulations are actually bad for animal welfare.

Before being heard and voted on by the Commissioners, there must be an advisory group or workshop that creates a collaboration between stakeholders and the Department. Forcing these new bans and unjust laws upon responsible businesses and animal owners without first asking our input feels like a violation of my rights as a United States citizen. I expect better from my state of Louisiana.

There needs to be an economic impact study as stating that there is no impact upon Louisiana business is incorrect. Those impacted also need to be shown the science that supports these new bans and regulations. Stating, “It happened in Florida and we do not want it to happen here.” is not a valid argument. The warmest areas of southern Louisiana are still much colder than the area of Florida where invasive reptiles are a problem for that state. The Department must compare apples to apples. Not kiwis to apples.

Most of this effort is unjust, unwarranted, and a prime example of big government. If the Department has found legitimate science and data science to support that some nonnative reptiles are a genuine concern for Louisiana, then work with stakeholders and experts to create a sensible regulation. Are unconstitutional and excessively intrusive government actions the future in Louisiana?

Responsible Louisiana herpetoculturists deserve better than this! Yes, we are concerned with the conservation of Louisiana’s fauna and environment. Just like good hunters and anglers, reptile and amphibian keepers are some of the best stewards of our state’s natural resources.

It is not the role of the government to remove freedoms from good citizens, especially when the grounds for that injustice are arbitrary and capricious. While these animals may be misunderstood, that does not warrant injustice. Bans are never the answer!

Please work with dedicated herpetoculturists to resolve any legitimate concerns. This action is unjustified and severely damaging to many good Louisiana citizens. The information provided to the Commissioners simply does not reflect the impact. Thank you for your time and consideration of this complex matter. Have a good day.

P.S. Please send a receipt email acknowledging my comment was received and entered into the record.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]