CITES CoP 2025

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) may propose amendments to the Appendices for the upcoming Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which will be held in Samarkand,...

Pets as Presents

Pets As Presents: Thoughtful consideration of animals as gifts The holiday season often brings thoughts of surprising a child or loved one with the pet of their dreams, but here is the truth: animal keeping is a commitment that can span decades. Instead of an impulse...

ESA: Hellbender

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to list the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Read the Federal Register document at...
ALERT: Ashley, OH

ALERT: Ashley, OH

UPDATE 1/7/25: The final vote was postponed because Mayor Lockhart and the Council want to ensure they write a sound ordinance. USARK President Phil Goss attended and spoke for responsible reptile and “exotic” animal owners. Since only a few species would...
ALERT: Michigan

ALERT: Michigan

Senator Polehanki has introduced a late bill in the Michigan Senate to classify all crocodilians as prohibited species. A grandfather clause allows the owner to obtain a permit from Michigan DNR. Owners who held crocodilians before the effective date will have 180...