Reptile Ownership Laws by State

*All information is current as of June 2025. For use as a reference only. Local laws may be more restrictive than state laws.

Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming

Alabama

Possession of native animals not listed as prohibited is allowed.

220-2-.26 Restrictions On Possession, Sale, Importation And/Or Release Of Certain Animals And Fish.

No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring, release, or cause to be brought or imported into the State of Alabama any of the following live fish or animals: (only herps are shown here)

Any species of venomous reptile which has never naturally existed in the wild in Alabama including but not limited to venomous snakes of the families Viperidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, Hydrophiidae and Colubridae, except for hognose snakes (genus Heterodon);
Any species of bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42) from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
Any species of Tegus (Salvator sp.);

No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association, shall transport within the state, any member of the above-stated species (whether such member originated within or without the state), except for properly licensed game-breeders pursuant to Section 9-11-31, Code of Ala. 1975, or persons engaged in the interstate transport of any of the above-stated species through the state who are otherwise specifically authorized by permit of the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries or his designee.
Except as authorized by permit issued by the Department prior to the date of this amendment, it shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession any live, protected wild bird or wild animal
or live embryo or eggs of these protected wild birds or animals. “Possession” in this section does not include deer restricted by natural or man-made barriers as long as the deer remain wild and are not subject to management practices of domesticated animals.
It shall be unlawful for any person to release any form of mammal, reptile, or amphibian which did not originate from this state, or any captive raised mammal, reptile, or amphibian other than those species raised under a license or permit from the Commissioner.

Alaska

The state of Alaska uses a “Clean List” for what people can and cannot own as pets, which is the same as a “White List.”

5 AAC 92.029. Permit for possessing live game.
(b) The following species, not including a hybrid of a game animal and a species listed in this subsection, may be possessed, imported, exported, bought, sold, or traded without a permit from the department but may not be released into the wild:

- Any nonvenomous reptile, Class Reptilia,
- crocodile,
- alligator,
- snake,
- turtle,
- or lizard
for further questions or permits, please refer to the following section on the Alaska wildlife site:
contact the department’s Wildlife Permits Section at: dfg.dwc.permits@alaska.gov; phone (907) 465-4148

Fish, shellfish and amphibians: Only ornamental species are allowed.
- For amphibian permits and questions, please contact Kercia Schroeder, Permit Coordinator
  Aquatic Resource Permit Program
  Division of Sport Fish
  (907) 465-8253 phone
  dfg.dsf.permitcoordinator@alaska.gov
The state asks that if one wishes to import ornamentals, to please contact the appropriate Permit Coordinator if you are interested in importing ornamentals but are unsure whether the species you are interested in fits the definition.
It is illegal to keep any native Alaskan animal as a pet.
For questions on transport or possession of mammals, birds, or reptiles, contact the department’s Wildlife Permits Section at dfg.dwc.permits@alaska.gov or (907) 465-4148.

Arizona

Arizona laws regarding possession, trade, and sale of exotic animals are found in Arizona Administrative Code R12-4-402. Live Wildlife: Unlawful Acts

In order to lawfully possess wildlife listed as restricted under this Section, for any activity prohibited under A.R.S. §§ 17-255.02, 17-306, R12-4-902, or this Article, a person shall possess:

All applicable federal licenses and permits; and
The appropriate special license listed under R12-4-409(A); or
Act under a lawful exemption authorized under A.R.S. §17-255.04, R12-4-314, R12-4-404, R12-4-405, R12-4-407, R12-4-425, R12-4-427, and R12-4-430.

Reptiles listed below are considered restricted live wildlife:

All species of the order Crocodilia. Common names include: alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gavials.
All species of the following families or genera of the order Squamata:
1. The family Atractaspididae. Common name: burrowing asps.
2. The following species and genera of the family Colubridae:
  1. Boiga irregularis. Common name: brown tree snake.
  2. Dispholidus typus. Common name: boomslang.
  3. Rhabdophis. Common name: keelback.
  4. Thelotornis kirtlandii. Common names include: bird snake or twig snake.
3. The family Elapidae. Common names include: Australian elapids, cobras, coral snakes, kraits, mambas, and sea snakes.
4. The family Helodermatidae. Common names include: Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard.
5. The family Viperidae. Common names include: pit and true vipers, including rattlesnakes.
The following species of the order Testudines:
1. All species of the family Chelydridae. Common name: snapping turtles.
2. All species of the genus Gopherus. Common names include: gopher tortoises, including the desert tortoise.

Amphibians listed below are considered restricted live wildlife. The following species within the order Anura, common names frogs and toads:

The species Bufo horribilis, Bufo marinus, Bufo schneideri. Common names include: giant or marine toads
All species of the genus Rana. Common names include: bullfrogs and leopard frogs. Except bullfrogs possessed under A.R.S. § 17-102.
All species of the genus Xenopus. Common name: clawed frogs.

Exemptions from Special License Requirements for Restricted Live Wildlife

A person is not required to possess a special license to lawfully possess restricted live wildlife under the following circumstances:

1. A person may possess, transport, or give away a desert tortoise (Gopherus morafkai) or the progeny of a desert tortoise provided the person lawfully possessed the desert tortoise prior to April 28, 1989 or obtained the tortoise through a Department authorized adoption program. A person who receives a desert tortoise that is given away under this Section is also exempt from special license requirements.
  1. A person shall not:
    1. Export a live desert tortoise from this state unless authorized in writing by the Department’s special license administrator. A person may only export a live desert tortoise to an education or research institution or zoo located in another state.
    2. Possess desert tortoise in excess of the possession limit established under Commission Order 43.
    3. Propagate lawfully possessed desert tortoises or their progeny unless authorized in writing by the Department’s special license administrator.
    4. Release a desert tortoise into the wild
  2. A person who possesses a desert tortoise and is moving out-of-state shall gift the desert tortoise to an Arizona resident or to the Department’s Tortoise Adoption Program.

Arkansas

Animals captured from the wild in Arkansas

Please see Code 9.14(A) for complete regulations.

Up to six individual animals from the following list and taken by hand from the wild may be kept per household:

1. - Hand-captured native non-game wildlife other than birds, bats, alligator snapping turtles, ornate box turtles, hellbenders, Ouachita steambed salamanders, collared lizards, troglodytic species (cave dwellers), or those animals defined as endangered species

Native Arkansas species that were born in captivity

Please see Code 9.14(B) for complete regulations.

(see Code Addendum R1.03)

1. - Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission.
  - Owners must have proof of legal ownership.
  - Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction.
  - Medically significant venomous reptiles (see Code 01.00C for a list) must be kept in accordance with caging and transportation requirements found in Code Addendum F1.08, Section C and F.

Species not native to Arkansas

Many species that are not native to Arkansas may be kept as personal pets. Please see Code 9.02 for complete regulations.

1. - Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. This does not apply if the animal is listed on the Unrestricted Captive Wildlife Species List (Code Addendum R1.01).
  - Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction.
  - There are limitations on ownership of certain exotics including mountain lions, large carnivores, primates and other species listed in Code 9.02 and Code Addendum R1.03.
  - Non-native Medically significant venomous reptiles must be kept in accordance with a Venomous Reptile Possession Permit. See Code 01.00C for a definition of such species and Code 9.17 for applicable regulations.
  - If the species is included is listed on the Unrestricted Captive Wildlife Species List (Code Addendum R1.01) you may sell these animals in any number.
  - If the species is listed on the Permitted Captive Wildlife Species list (Code Addendum R1.02), a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit is required to breed any animals. Owners of species on the Permitted Captive Wildlife Species list may sell up to 20 individual animals per calendar year without obtaining a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit, however, all such sales must be registered with the Commission.

California

California prohibits possession of enumerated species without a permit. Permits are not granted for private pet possession.

§ 671. Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals.

(a) It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. Permits may be issued by the department as specified herein and for purposes designated in Section 671.1 subject to the conditions and restrictions designated by the department. Except for mammals listed in Fish and Game Code Section 3950 or live aquatic animals requiring a permit pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 2271, no permit is required by this section for any animal being imported, transported, or possessed pursuant to any other permit issued by the department. Cities and counties may also prohibit possession or require a permit for these and other species not requiring a state permit.

(b) The commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state. Mammals listed to prevent the depletion of wild populations and to provide for animal welfare are termed “welfare animals”, and are designated by the letter “W”. Those species listed because they pose a threat to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of the state or to public health or safety are termed “detrimental animals” and are designated by the letter “D”. The department shall include the list of welfare and detrimental wild animals as part of DFG MANUAL NO. 671 (2/25/92) IMPORTATION, TRANSPORTATION AND POSSESSION OF RESTRICTED SPECIES, to be made available to all permittees and other interested individuals.

1. - 1. Class Amphibia-Frogs, Toads, Salamanders
      1. Family Bufonidae-Toads
        
        Genera Rhinella and Rhaebo (formerly Bufo) (giant/marine toad group and all other large toads from Mexico and Central and South America)-(D).
      2. Family Pipidae-Tongueless Toads
        
        Genus Xenopus (clawed frogs)-(D).
      3. Family Ambystomatidae-Mole Salamanders
        
        Genus Ambystoma (nonnative tiger salamander group)-(D)
      4. Family Eleutherodactylidae-Rain Frogs
        
        Eleutherodactylus coqui-common coqu or coqu-(D).
    2. Class Reptilia-Reptiles
      1. Order Crocodilia-Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators and Gavials – All Species
      1. Family Chelyridae-Snapping Turtles – All Species
      1. Family Elapidae-Cobras, Coral Snakes, Mambas, Kraits, etc. – All Species
      1. Family Viperidae-Adders and Vipers – All Species
      1. Family Crotalidae-Pitvipers – All nonnative Species
      1. Family Colubridae-Colubrids
        
        Dispholidus typus (Boomslang) (D).
        
        Genus Thelotornis (Bird, twig, or vine snakes) (D).
        
        Genus Nerodia (watersnakes) (D).
      1. Family Helodermatidae
        
        Heloderma suspectum suspectum (reticulate Gila monster) (D).

Colorado

Colorado wildlife law generally prohibits the live possession of both native and exotic wildlife.

Wildlife can NOT be taken from the wild in the State of Colorado.

No matter which agency or agencies regulate the wildlife you are interested in, the agency that has the MOST RESTRICTIVE LAW is the law that applies. Check with Special Licensing at the following email address wildlife.speciallicensing@state.co.us

Special Wildlife Licenses can be issued which authorize the private possession of live wildlife for a limited number of particular purposes (such as rehabilitation, falconry, or scientific collection). Licensing information and applications specific to each authorized purpose are available HERE

Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations do not permit the keeping of regulated wildlife as pets, so no license can be issued for that purpose. Those species of wildlife on the Domestic Animals list or on the Unregulated Wildlife list can be possessed without a license and held as pets. Regulations also list “prohibited” species. The live possession of these species is severely restricted.

Venomous Snake Possession

Connecticut

From CT DEEP Regulations, Title 26 – Fisheries and Game

26-55-3. Possession of salamanders and turtles

1. - - No person shall possess in excess of three (3) Spotted Salamanders, (Ambystoma maculatum), at any time.
    - No person shall possess in excess of three (3) Marbled Salamanders, (Ambystoma opacum), at any time.
    - No person shall possess any Wood Turtle, (Clemmys insculpta), at any time.
    - No person shall possess in excess of one (1) Eastern Box Turtle, (Terrapene c. carolina), at any time.
    - No person shall possess in excess of one (1) Eastern hognose snake, (Heterodos platirhinos), at any time.
    - No person shall possess in excess of one (1) Eastern ribbon snake, (Thamnophis sauritus), at any time.

26-66-13. Seasons, bag limits and methods for taking amphibians

1. - - There shall be no open season for taking Jefferson Salamanders, (Ambystomajeffersoianum), Blue-spotted Salamanders, (Ambystoma laterale), Tremblay’sSalamanders, (Ambystoma tremblayi), Silvery Salamanders, (Ambystoma platineum),Eastern Spadefoot Toads, (Scaphiopus h. holbrooki) and Northern Leopard Frogs, ( Ranapipiens), in any developmental stage.
    - The open season for taking adult Spotted Salamanders, Ambystoma maculatum,and adult Marbled Salamanders, Ambystoma opacum, shall be from May 1 throughAugust 31. During the open season, adult Spotted Salamanders and Marbled Salamandersshall only be taken by hand or hand-held implement. No person shall take any adultSpotted Salamanders or Marbled Salamanders by seine net. The daily and season baglimit shall not exceed three (3) of each species. There shall be no open season for takingeggs or juveniles of these species. For purposes of this section, A seine net means a netwith sinkers on one edge and floats on the other that hangs vertically in the water andencloses aquatic wildlife when its ends are pulled together or are drawn ashore.(c) There shall be no closed season and no daily or season bag limits on taking adultRed-spotted Newts, Notophthalmus v. viridescens. Adult Red-spotted Newts shall onlybe taken by hand or hand-held implement. No person shall take any adult Red-spottedNewt by seine net as defined in subsection (b) of this section, minnow trap, or by aid of amotorboat. There shall be no open season for taking eggs or juveniles of these species.

26-66-14. Seasons, bag limits and methods for taking reptiles

1. - - There shall be no open season for taking Bog Turtles, (Clemmys muhlenbergii),Wood Turtles, (Clemmys ensculpta) Diamondback Terrapins, (Malaclemys terrapin) andEastern Box Turtles, (Terrapene c. carolina), in any developmental stage.
    - The open season for taking Black Rat Snakes, Elaphe o. obsoleta, shall be fromMay 1 through August 31. During the open season, Black Rat Snakes shall only be takenby hand or hand-held implement. The daily and season bag limit shall not exceed one(1). However, there shall be no open season for taking eggs of this species.
    - Repealed

26-78-2. Conditions on possession of bog turtles

1. - - Any person owning or keeping a Bog Turtle shall submit the following information to the Wildlife Division of the Department of Environmental Protection: name and address of keeper; type and number of turtles owned or kept; date each turtle was acquired; approximate age of each turtle; address at which each turtle is kept; and any other information which the Commissioner deems necessary.
    - Any change in the information provided in accordance with subsection (a) shall be reported to the Wildlife Division in writing within twenty (20) days.

Endangered, Threatened & Special Concern Reptiles and Amphibians

1. - - Loggerhead Turtle
    - Atlantic Green Turtle
    - Wood Turtle
    - Bog Turtle
    - Timber Rattlesnake
    - Leatherback Turtle
    - Five-lined Skink
    - Eastern Hognose Snake
    - Atlantic Ridley Turtle
    - Eastern Box Turtle
    - Eastern Ribbon Snake
    - Jefferson Salamander
    - Blue-spotted Salamander (all)
    - Northern Spring Salamander
    - Northern Slimy Salamander
    - Northern Leopard Frog
    - Eastern Spadefoot

Category 2 – Bans importation and possession

PERMITS are issued for only the following: veterinarian, municipal park, AZA or ZAA zoo, marine mammal park, AZA or Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor, labratory, research facility, K-12 school

Category 2 animals include:

1. - - US injurious wildlife
    - Crocodilians
    - Family Elapidae and Viperidae (venomous snakes)
    - Northern and Southern African python, reticulated python and amethystine python
    - Green, yellow and Bolivian anacondas
    - genera Boiga, Thelotornis, Enhydris, Dispholidus, Clelia, Rhabdophis, Hydrodynastes, Philodryas or Malpolon
    - family Helodermatidae (Gila monster and beaded lizards)
    - Nile, water, black-throated, white-throated and crocodile monitors
    - Komodo dragon

Category 3 – Bans import and export

PERMITS are issued only for the following: municipal park, AZA or ZAA zoo, marine mammal park, AZA or Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums aquarium, nature center, museum, exhibitor, labratory, research facility, K-12 school, game breeders

Category 3 animals include:

1. - - Spotted turtle
    - Eastern racer
    - Diamond-backed terrapin
    - Fowler’s toad
    - Northern dusky salamander
    - Gray treefrog
    - Eastern newt
    - Wood frog

Scientific Collector Permit Application

A special permit from the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is required for all activities that involve the capture, marking, salvage, release or disturbance of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, or invertebrate species. These permits are issued at the discretion of the Commissioner and may be issued for a period of up to three years with a fee of $25.00 per year. Please follow the instructions when completing this form. You must submit the applicable fee along with this completed form, to be issued a permit. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing, sometimes more if on multiple state lands.

Import permits are required to import and possess any wild animal that is listed:

1. - - Endangered, threatened, or species of special concern; OR
    - Under Section 26‐55‐6(a)(4)(B) of the Connecticut General Statutes

APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO IMPORT, POSSESS, OR LIBERATE WILD BIRDS, MAMMALS, REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, AND INVERTEBRATES (CGS 26-55)

Delaware

Delaware has several resources available to those wishing to possess exotic animals within the state.

Please see their website https://agriculture.delaware.gov/poultry-animal-health/exotic-animals/ for details. This section will include those laws as they pertain to herps only.

Native reptiles are regulated by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and are prohibited as pets. Red-eared sliders are non-native and must have a permit. Some native snakes that are captive-bred and are an abberant color may be kept with a permit.

The following are exempt:

1. - - Chameleons
    - Iguanas
    - Agamas
    - Skinks
    - Bearded Dragons
    - Asian Water Dragons
    - Basilisks
    - Tegus
    - Geckos

Download the Exotic Animal Permit here

For questions or to clarify which animals are permitted or need to have a license, please call Delaware Department of Agriculture Poultry and Animal Health Section at (302) 698-4561

1. - - § 7201. Possession; permit required.
      - No person shall bring into this State, possess, sell or exhibit any live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild mammal or live reptile not native to or generally found in Delaware without first securing a permit under this chapter. The Department of Agriculture may adopt regulations to exempt such mammals and reptiles that do not represent a significant threat to community interests from the provisions of this chapter. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, except for medical or psychological research or for display in any licensed zoological park or traveling circus, no person shall bring into this State, possess, sell or exhibit any poisonous snake not native to or generally found in Delaware where the venom of such snake poses a risk of serious injury or death to a human, and no permit for the same shall be issued by the Department of Agriculture.
    - § 7202. Permit; rules and regulations; exemptions.
      - The Department of Agriculture shall enforce this chapter and may issue a permit where the possession or exhibition of a live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild mammal or live reptile will be in the public interest, and may promulgate rules and regulations for the proper enforcement of this chapter. The Department may designate agencies authorized to conduct animal cruelty enforcement and/or dog control enforcement to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The Department shall receive a fee of $25 for each and every permit issued. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to prevent the use of any live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild mammal or live reptile in medical or psychological research or for display in any municipal zoological park or traveling circus after issuance of a permit.

Florida

Please check this section regularly as Florida rules and regulations have been known to change.

There is no permit required to possess these as a personal pet: nonvenomous and unprotected reptiles or amphibians. Personal pet permits are only issued for animals which are captive bred and are obtained from a legal licensed source.

Wild animals that have been injured, orphaned, or abandonded and need rehabilitation are not allowed as pets. Animals that require rehabiliataion must be done so through a licensed rehabber.

Class I wildlife are prohibited as pets, but can be kept with a permit to either exhibit, sell, or import. Those include:

1. - - Crocodylia – Black caimans, Crocodiles except dwarf and Congo, Gavials
    - Varanidae – Komodo dragons

Class II wildlife can be kept as personal pets with a permit. Outside of that, they will need these permits exhibit, sell, or import.

1. - - Crocodylia – Alligators, Caimans except blacks, Dwarf crocodiles

Class III wildlife does not have a list because there are too many categorized as such. There are several reptiles and amphibians considered Class III. Therefore any non-domesticated animal that is not already listed as Class I, Class II, Conditional, or Prohibited will be considered Class III. They too require permits to exhibit, sell, keep as pets, import, or rehab.

1. - - No person shall possess more than two individual turtles of the following species: Escambia map turtles (Graptemys ernsti), diamond-backed terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), box turtles (Terrapene carolina), or loggerhead musk turtles (Sternotherus minor).

Prohibited Species of Reptiles

1. - - Green Iguana
    - Tegus
    - Nile Monitor
    - Nile monitors possessed for personal use by reptile of concern license holders prior to July 1, 2010 may continue to be in the possession of the owner for the life of the animal. A valid reptile of concern license to possess these animals must be maintained pursuant to 379.372, F.S.
    - Brown Tree Snake
    - Beni Anaconda
    - DeSchauensee’s anaconda
    - Yellow anaconda
    - The following species possessed for personal use by reptile of concern license holders prior to July 1, 2010 may continue to be in the possession of the owner for the life of the animal. A valid reptile of concern license to possess these animals must be maintained pursuant to 379.372, F.S.
    - Indian or Burmese python
    - Reticulated python
    - Northern African python
    - Southern African python
    - Amethystine python
    - Scrub python
    - Green anaconda
    - Family Hydrophiidae, all species, except that sea snakes may be possessed as described in paragraph 68-5.007(1)(f), F.A.C.

Conditional Nonnative Reptiles

1. - - Red-eared slider
      - A permit is required to acquire red-eared sliders for personal possession; red-eared sliders must be contained in outdoor facilities that have a permanent containment barrier secured at least six inches below ground level to prevent escape by digging, erosion, climbing or by passing through gaps; such barriers may be constructed of solid metal or weather-resistant and rot-resistant material, and may not use mesh material. All eggs must be removed and destroyed daily from outdoor facilities.
      - Red-eared sliders in personal possession prior to July 1, 2007 may continue in the possession of the owner.
      - Red-eared sliders less than four inches carapace length may not be possessed after July 1, 2008 without a permit.
      - Red-eared sliders with distinctive aberrant color patterns, including albino or amelanistic specimens, may be possessed without a permit otherwise required by the rule.

Venomous reptile information

Georgia

Except where specifically noted in the rules, wild animal licenses are issued to persons engaged in the wholesale or retail wild animal business or who are exhibiting wild animals to the public. Wild animal permits are issued at no cost for scientific, educational or other purposes detailed in O.C.G.A. 27-5-4. Wild animal licenses/permits cannot be issued for the purpose of pet ownership. Please see https://georgiawildlife.com/wild-animal-rules for further information.

Native Reptiles and Amphibians that cannot be kept as pets

If there is any doubt about the legality of possessing any species, contact the Special Permit Unit at 770-918-6408.

1. - - Alligator
    - Alligator Snapping Turtle
    - Black Racer
    - Bog Turtle
    - Box Turtle (Eastern, Florida, Gulf Coast, Three-toed)
    - Brown Snake
    - Coachwhip
    - Corn Snake
    - Crayfish Snake (Glossy, Striped)
    - Crowned Snake (Southeastern, Central Florida)
    - Diamondback Terrapin
    - Earth Snake (Rough, Smooth)
    - Fence Lizard
    - Flatwoods Salamander
    - Florida Worm Lizard
    - Garter Snake
    - Georgia Blind Salamander
    - Glass Lizard (Eastern, Island, Mimic, Slender)
    - Gopher Tortoise
    - Green Anole
    - Green Salamander
    - Hellbender
    - Hognose Snake (Eastern, Southern)
    - Indigo Snake
    - Kingsnake (Black, Eastern, Mole, Scarlet)
    - Map Turtle (Alabama, Barbour’s, Common)
    - Milksnake
    - Mud Snake
    - One-toed Amphiuma
    - Pigeon Mountain Salamander
    - Pine Snake (Florida, Northern)
    - Pine Woods Snake
    - Queen Snake
    - Rainbow Snake
    - Rat Snake (Black, Gray, Yellow)
    - Redbellied Snake
    - Ribbon Snake
    - Ringneck Snake
    - Rough Green Snake
    - Scarlet Snake
    - Sea Turtle (Green, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, Ridley)
    - Six-lined Racerunner
    - Skink (Broadhead, Coal, Five-lined, Southeastern Five-lined, Ground, Mole)
    - Spotted Turtle
    - Striped Newt
    - Water Snake (Banded, Brown, Florida Green, Northern, Redbelly)
    - Worm Snake

Non-Native Reptiles and Amphibians that cannot be kept as pets

The Department should be consulted before any exotic animals which are not normally domesticated in Georgia are acquired. Hybrids or crosses between any combination of domestic animals, wildlife, or regulated wild animals and all subsequent generations are regulated in Georgia and may not be held without a license.

1. - - Crocodiles, gavials, etc.; all species
    - Alligators and caimans; all species
    - Cobras, coral snakes, etc.; all species
    - Adders, vipers, etc.; all species
    - Pit vipers; all species
    - Venomous colubrid snakes; all species
    - Gila monsters and beaded lizards; all species
    - Giant and Marine toads

The following wild animals are subject to licensing requirements pursuant to O.C.G.A. Sec. 27-5-4.

They can only be licensed for scientific, educational, or public exhibition purposes consistent with O.C.G.A. Sec. 27-5-4; provided, however, that such species possessed on or before the effective date of this rule may be held as a pet without a license or permit provided that the owner tags and registers all individuals with the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division within 12 months following the effective date of this rule;

1. - - Order Squamata:
      - Family Pythonidae – Python molurus (Indian rock python);
      - Family Pythonidae – Python bivittatus (Burmese python);
      - Family Teidae – Salvator merianae (Argentine black-and-white tegu);
      - Family Varanidae – Varanus niloticus (Nile Monitor);
    - Order Testudines:
      - Family Pelomedusiade – Pelomedusa subrufa (African helmeted turtle);
      - Family Trionychidae (softshell turtles) – Pelodiscus sinensis (Chinese softshell turtle);

Hawaii

Injurious wildlife cannot be transported to islands they are not established in, nor can they be exported. Exemptions include: for the destruction of said wildlife, department employees, USDA or Department of Ag inspectors/agents/researchers, any other authorized personnel.

1. - - All species in the Family Agamidae
    - All species in the genus Anolis
    - All species in the Order Anura
    - All species in the Family Chamaeleonidae
    - Gekko gecko
    - All species in the Family Iguanidae
    - All species in the genus Phelsuma
    - All species in the Family Scincidae
    - All species in the suborder Serpentes, except Ramphotyphlops braminus and Pelamis platurus
    - All species in the Family Teiidae
    - All species in the Order Testudines
    - All species in the subfamily Varanoidea

All non-domestic animals are either prohibited, restricted, or conditional and according to that statues will have different requirements for import and possession.

Restricted Species: a permit is required for import and possession. Part A – Research and government zoos or aquariums. Part B – private (non-profit and non-pet use) and commercial use.

Restricted animals Part A

1. - - Amphibians
      - Abystoma jeffersonianum – salamander, mole
      - Abystoma texanum – salamander, mole
      - Andrias japonicus – salamander, Japanese giant
      - Andrias (Megalobatrachus) japonicus davidianus – salamander, Chinese giant
      - Cryptobranchus allaganiensis – salamander, hellbender
      - Eurycea longicauda – salamander, long-tailed
      - Echinotriton andersoni – newt, spiny
      - Notophthalmus viridescens – newt, red-spotted
      - Bufo (all species in genus) – toad
      - Bombina maxima – toad, giant fire-bellied
      - Bombina orientalis – toad, fire-bellied
      - Agalychnis annae – treefrog, yellow-eyed
      - Agalychnis callidryas – treefrog, red-eyed
      - Pachymedusa dacnicolor – treefrog, Mexican giant
      - Smilisca baudini smilisca – treefrog, mottled (Mexican)
      - Ceratophrys calcarata – frog, Columbian horned
      - Ceratophrys ornata – frog, ornate horned
      - Leptodactylus pentadactylus – bullfrog, South American
      - Dyscphus (all species in genus) – frog, tomato
      - Kaloula mediolineata – toad, Siamese painted and toad, Malayan narrow mouthed
      - Megophrys montana nasuta – frog, Siamese horned
      - Megophrys monticola nasuta – frog, Asian horned
      - Pipa pipa – toad, Surinam
      - Xenopus Laevis – frog, African clawed
      - Pyxicephalus adspersus – bullfrong, African grove crown
      - Kassina maculata – frog, spotted running
      - Mantella (all species in genus) – frog, golden
      - Racophorus (Polypedates) leucomystax – frog, bamboo climbing (gold) (white bearded flying)
    - Reptiles
      - Alligator mississippiensis – American alligator *(Prohibited for short-term performance or exhibition in circuses, carnivals, or state fairs. Allowed for short-term performance for commercial filming, for exhibition in government zoos, or for other purposes permitted under section 4-71-6.5)
      - Caiman crocodilus – caiman, spectacled *
      - Crocodylus (all species in genus) – crocodile *
      - Gavialis gangeticus – gavial, garial *
      - Squamata – snakes, non-venomous
      - Acanthasaura armata – mountain horned lizard
      - Agama agama – common agama
      - Agama atricollis – South African agama
      - Agama stellio
      - Calotes calotes – sawback agamidae
      - Ceratophora stoderti – horned agama
      - Ctenophor (Amphibolorus) cristatus – crested dragon
      - Ctenophor (Amphibolorus) scutulatus – lozenge marked dragon
      - Draco (all species in genus) – flying dragon
      - Gonocephalus borniensis – horn-headed tree dragon
      - Hydrosaurus (all species in genus) – sailfin
      - Leiolepis belliana – smooth-scaled agama, butterfly
      - Leiolepis rubritaeniata – giant ground lizard
      - Moloch horridus – thorny devil
      - Physignathus cocincinus – Malayan water dragon
      - Physignathus lesueuri – Brown water dragon
      - Pogona (Amphibolorus) barbatus – Australian bearded dragon
      - Pogona (Amphibolorus) nullarbor – Nullarbor bearded dragon
      - Pogona (Amphibolorus) vittaceps – Inland bearded dragon
      - Gerrhonotus (Elguria) multicarinata – Southern Alligator lizard
      - Ophisaurus ventralis – Eastern glass lizard
      - Chamaeleo chamaeleon – Common chameleon
      - Chamaeleo oustaleti – Oustalet’s chameleon
      - Boiga irregularis – Brown tree snake
      - Cordylus cataphractus – armadillo lizard
      - Cordylus giganteus – sun gazer lizard
      - Cordylus warreni – Warren’s girdled lizard
      - Gerrhosaurus flavigularis – yellow-throated plated lizard
      - Gerrhosaurus major – tawny plated lizard
      - Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus – black-lined plated lizard
      - Chondrodactylus angulifer – sand gecko
      - Coleonyx elegans – elegant banded gecko
      - Coleonyx variegatus – Western banded gecko
      - Cyrtodactylus pulchellus – Malayan banded (naked-toe) gecko
      - Cyrtodactylus louisadensis – naked-finger gecko
      - Diplodactylus spinigerus – West Australian spiny-tailed (zig zag) gecko
      - Eublepharis macularis – leopard gecko
      - Gehyra mutilata (Peropus) – stump-toed gecko
      - Gekko gecko – tokay gecko
      - Gekko stentor – giant gecko
      - Gymnodactylus oenguensis zebaic – leopard’s bent-toe gecko
      - Hemidactylus frenatus – house gecko
      - Hemidactylus garnoti – Indo-pacific gecko
      - Hemiphyllodactylus typus – tree gecko
      - Hemitheconyx caudicinctus – African fat tailed gecko
      - Homopholus walbergi – Wallberg’s velvety gecko
      - Nephrurus (all species in genus) – knob-tailed gecko
      - Oedura lesueuri – Lesueur’s velvet gecko
      - Oedura marmorata – velvet gecko
      - Oedura robusta – robust velvet gecko
      - Pachydactylus bibroni – Bibron’s gecko
      - Phelsuma abbotti – Aldabra day gecko
      - Phelsuma cepediana – blue-tailed day gecko
      - Phelsuma guimbeaui – orange-spotted day gecko
      - Phelsuma laticauda – gold dust day gecko
      - Phelsuma madagascariensis – Madagascar day gecko
      - Phelsuma ornata – Reunion Island day (ornate day) gecko
      - Phyllurus cornutus – northern leaf-tailed gecko
      - Phyllurus platurus – southern leaf-tailed gecko
      - Ptychozoon kuhli – flying gecko
      - Ptychozoon lionotum – flying gecko
      - Rhacodactylus leachianus – New Caledonia giant gecko
      - Thecadactylus rapicauda – turnip-tailed gecko
      - Underwoodsaurus mili – turnip-tailed gecko
      - Uroplatus (all species in genus) – flat-tailed gecko
      - Anolis equestris – knight anole
      - Basiliscus basiliscus – brown basilisk
      - Basiliscus plumifrons – green basilisk (double crested)
      - Basiliscus vittatus – banded basilisk
      - Brachylophus fasciatus – Tongan (Fiji banded)
      - Callisaurus draconoides – zebra-tailed lizard
      - Corytophanes cristatus – helmeted iguana
      - Crotaphytus collaris – collared lizard
      - Ctenosaura similis – spiny-tailed iguana
      - Cyclura macleayi – Cuban (rhinoceros) iguana
      - Dipsosaurus dorsalis – desert iguana
      - Enyaliosaurus quinquecarinatus – club tail iguana
      - Gambelia wislizeni – long-nosed leopard lizard
      - Holbrookia maculata – lesser earless lizard
      - Iguana (all species in genus)
      - Phrynosoma (all species in genus) – horned lizard (horny toad)
      - Sauromalus obesus – chuckwalla
      - Sauromalus varius – chuckwalla
      - Sceloporus clarki – Clark’s spiny lizard
      - Sceloporus jarrovii – Yarrow’s spiny lizard
      - Sceloporus magister – desert spiny lizard
      - Sceloporus occidentalis – western fence lizard
      - Sceloporus orcutti – granite spiny lizard
      - Urosaurus ornatus – tree lizard
      - Uta stansburiana – side-blotched lizard
      - Lacerta lapida – jeweled lacerta lizard
      - Lacerta sicula – European wall lizard
      - Lacerta viridis – green lizard
      - Takydromus sexlineatus – long-tailed lizard (oriental six-lined runner)
      - Delma impar – smooth-scaled scaleyfoot lizard
      - Lialis burtonis – Burton’s snake lizard
      - Pygopus lepidopodus – common scaleyfoot lizard
      - Acontias percivali – East African legless lizard
      - Corucia zebrata – green tree skink
      - Cryptoblepharus boutoni – snake-eyed skink
      - Cyclodomorphus (Tiliqua) branchialis – West Australian short-lined skink
      - Dasia smaragdina – spotted green tree skink
      - Egernia cunninghami – Cunningham’s skink
      - Egernia stokesii – gidgee skink
      - Emmoia cyanura – blue-tailed slender skink
      - Eumeces obsoletus – Great Plains skink
      - Leiolopisma metallicum – metallic skink
      - Lipinia noctua – moth skink
      - Mabuya capensis – South African skink (blue-tailed)
      - Mabuya macularia – orange-throated skink
      - Omolepida (Tiliqua) branchialis – Australian short-limbed skink
      - Tilinqua nigrolutea – blotched-blue-tongued skink
      - Tiliqua occipitalis – West Australian blue-tongued skink
      - Tiliqua scincoides – blue-tongued skink
      - Trachysaurus rugosus (Tiliqua rugosus) – shingle back skink
      - Ameiva ameiva – jungle runners lizard
      - Callopistes maculatus – monitor tegu lizard
      - Cnemidophorus tesselatus – checkered whiptail lizard
      - Cnemidophorus tigris – western whiptail lizard
      - Tubinambis nigropunctatus – golden tegu lizard
      - Tupinambis rufescens – tegu red lizard
      - Tupinambis teguixin – tegu black lizard
      - Varanus acanthurus – spiny-tailed monitor
      - Varanus Bengalensis – Bengal monitor
      - Varanus dumerili – Dumeril’s monitor
      - Varanus exanthematicus – savannah monitor
      - Varanus giganteus – Perentee monitor
      - Varanus gouldi – Gould’s monitor
      - Varanus indicus – Pacific monitor
      - Varanus komodoensis – komodo monitor
      - Varanus nilocticus – Nile monitor
      - Varanus salvadori – crocodile monitor
      - Varanus salvator – water monitor
      - Varanus storri – pygmy monitor (Storr’s dwarf)
      - Varanus varius – variegated monitor
      - Chelus fimbriatus – mata mata
      - Emydura albertisi – New Guinea snake neck turtle
      - Podocnemis unifilis – yellow-spotted Amazon turtle
      - Chelydra serpentina – snapping turtle
      - Macroclemys temmincki – alligator snapping turtle
      - Heosemys grandis – Asian temple turtle
      - Pelomedusa subrufa olivacera – helmeted turtle
      - Pelusios (all species in genus) – African hinged terrapins

Restricted animals Part B

Amphibians
- Triturus boscai – newt
- Triturus italicus – Italian newt
- Tylotriton verrocosus – emperor newt
- Dendrobates (all species in genus) – poison arrow frog (poison dart)
- Hyla vasta – Haitian giant treefrog
- Rana erythraea – red-eared frog
- Rana jerboa – frog
- Rana limnocharis – rice frog
- Rana pustulosa – frog
Reptiles
- - Chamaeleo jacksoni – Jackson’s chameleon
  - Amblyrhyncus cristatus – Galapagos marine iguana
  - Anolis carolinensis – American chameleon
  - Conolophus subcristatus – Galapagos land iguana
  - Emoia physicae – ground skink
  - Lobulia elegans – ground skink
  - Lobulia morokana – gound skink
  - Lobulia stanleyana – ground skink
  - Chelodina longicollis – Australian side-necked turtle
  - Chelonia mydas agassizii – green sea turtle
  - Lepidochelys olivacea – loggerhead turtle (Ridley)
  - Batagur baska – Batagur turtle
  - Callagur borneoensis – giant river turtle
  - Chinemys kwangtungensis – Kwangtung pond turtle
  - Chinemys reevesi – Reeves turtle
  - Chrysemys (Pseudemys) alabamensis – Alabama red-bellied turtle
  - Chrysemys (Pseudemys) rubriventris – Plymouth red-bellied turtle
  - Cuora amboinensis – Malayan box turtle
  - Cuora flavomarginata – yellow-margined box turtle
  - Cuora galbinifrons – white-fronted box turtle
  - Cuora trifasciata – three-keeled box turtle
  - Cyclemys dentata – Asian leaf turtle
  - Geoclemys hamiltoni – black pond turtle
  - Geoemyda spengleri – black-bellied notched turtle
  - Graptemys oculifera – ringed map turtle
  - Hardella thurji – Brahminy river turtle
  - Heosemys (all species in genus except H. grandis) – cogwheel turtle
  - Hieremys annandalei – temple turtle
  - Kachuga (all species in genus) – roof turtle
  - Malaclemys terrapin – diamond back terrapin
  - Mauremys (Annamemys) annamensis – Eurasian pond turtle
  - Melanochelys tricarinata – three-keeled Indian terrapin
  - Melanochelys trijuga – black-bellied terrapin
  - Morenia ocellata – ocellated peacock turtle
  - Morenia petersi – Peter’s peacock turtle
  - Notochelys platynota – flat-back turtle
  - Ocadia sinensis – Chinese striped turtle
  - Orlitia borneensis – Bornean river turtle
  - Pyxidea mouhoti – Indian thorn turtle
  - Rhinoclemmys (Callopsis) (all species in genus) – painted forest turtle
  - Sacalea bealei – six-eyed pond turtle
  - Siebenrockiella crassicollis – fat-headed turtle
  - Terrapene coahuila – aquatic box turtle
  - Trachemys (all species in genus) – slider turtle
  - Kenosternon (all species in genus) – mud turtle
  - Staurotypus salvini – giant musk turtle
  - Staurotypus triporcatus – giant musk turtle
  - Sternotherus carinatus – keel-backed musk turtle
  - Sternotherus minor depressus – flattened musk turtle
  - Sternotherus minor minor – loggerhead musk turtle
  - Sternotherus minor peltifer – musk turtle
  - Sternotherus odoratus – stinkpot (common musk) turtle
  - Asterochelys radiata – radiated tortoise
  - Asterochelys yniphora – angulated tortoise
  - Chelonoidis elephantopus – Galapagos tortoise
  - Gopherus (Xerobates) agassizi – desert tortoise
  - Gopherus flavomarginatus – Bolson tortoise
  - Gopherus polyphemus – gpher tortoise
  - Indotestudo (all species in genus) – tortoise
  - Kinixys belliana – Bell’s hinged tortoise
  - Kinixys erosa – Schweigger’s hinge-back tortoise
  - Kinixys homeana- Homer’s hinged tortoise
  - Malacochersus tornieri – pancake tortoise
  - Manouria (all species in genus) – tortoise
  - Psammobates geometricus – cape geometric tortoise
  - Pyxi arachnoides – spider tortoise
  - Chitra indica – narrow-headed soft-shell turtle
  - Cyclanorbis elegans – Nubian soft-shell turtle
  - Cyclanorbis senegalensis – Senegal soft-shell turtle
  - Cycloderm aubryi – Aubry’s soft-shell turtle
  - Cycloderma frenatum – bridled soft-shell turtle
  - Lissemys punctata – Indian flap-shelled turtle
  - Pelochelys bibroni – giant soft-shell turtle
  - Trionyx (all species in genus) – soft-shell turtle
Prohibited Animals
- - - Amphibians
      - Amphiuma (all species in genus) – salamanders
      - Necturus (all species in genus) – salamanders
      - Pseudobranchus striatus – dwarf salamander
      - Siren intermedia – lesser siren
      - Siren lacertina – greater siren
      - Phyllobates (all species in genus) – frogs
      - Hyla septentrionalis – Cuban treefrog
      - Pipidae (all in family except for research and exhibition by government agencies: Pipa pipa – Surinam toad, and Xenopus laevis – African clawed frog)
    - Reptiles
      - Serpentes (all species in suborder, except for two male nonvenomous snakes for exhibition in a government zoo, and for four sterile male brown tree snakes, Boiga irregularis, for research or training of snake detector dogs by the department)
      - Heloderma – gila monster
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Idaho

Reptiles or Amphibians listed on the Invasive Species list>/a> may not be allowed for importation.
- - - Invasive Amphibians include: American bullfrog, Rough Skinned Newt
    - Invasive Reptiles include: Brahminy Blindsnake, Common Wall Lizard, Italian Wall Lizard, Mediterranean Gecko, Red Eared Slider, Snapping Turtle
A person must apply for a permit prior to cultivating, importing, exporting, shipping or transporting a listed invasive species in Idaho. INVASIVE SPECIES POSSESSION PERMIT Application

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Illinois

Illinois has its own statute on Herps: (510 ILCS 68/) Herptiles-Herps Act
- - - The possession limit for herptiles (excluding common snapping turtles and bullfrogs) is no more than 4 total per species.In no case shall a person possess more than 8 indigenous amphibians or reptiles in total.
    - A Herpetoculture permit shall not be required in order to commercialize non-indigenous herptile taxa except as otherwise prohibited or regulated under this Act or federal law.
      No person shall take or possess for the purpose of propagation any of the herptiles listed in the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Act, the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, or administrative rules unless authorized by a Herptile Endangered and Threatened Species Propagation permit issued by the Department.
    - Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using approved venomous reptile species only for bona fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities.
    - Permittees may keep legally obtained venomous reptile specimens native to the United States, except the following species:
      - Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus);
      - Western diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox);
      - Mojave rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus);
      - Southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus helleri);
      - Eastern and Texas coral snakes (Micrurus fulvius);
      - Sonoran coral snakes (Micruroides euryxanthus);
      - and timber/canebrake rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) from the southern portions of their range (Oklahoma, southern Arkansas, Louisiana, and also southeastern South Carolina south through eastern Georgia to northern Florida), known as “Type A” and containing canebrake toxin.
    - Except for Boomslangs (Dispholidus), twig snakes (Thelotornis), keelbacks (Rhabdophis), Lichtenstein’s green racer (Philodryas olfersii), and brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis), medically significant snakes in the family Colubridae defined in Section 10-5 of this Article may be possessed with a permit.
    - Venomous reptiles shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State. The Department may approve limited transfers among existing permittees as set forth in administrative rule.
      No limit on any boas, but must be kept in proper housing
    - Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using crocodilian (all) species only for bona fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities. Crocodilians shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State.
    - Herptile Special Use permits may be issued to residents using monitor lizard species (members of the Varanidae family, specifically crocodile monitors and Komodo dragons.) only for bona fide educational programs, following an inspection and approval of the proposed facilities. Monitor lizards shall not be bred, sold, or offered for sale within this State.
    - Turtles shall not be commercially farmed in this State.
    - Poisonous frogs/toads (cane toads) must be permitted and be part of an educational show or research endeavor
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Indiana

A person must have a permit issued by the department under this rule to possess a wild animal if the wild animal is either of the following: referenced in the rule IC 14-22-26 OR listed as an endangered species or a threatened species.

312 IAC 9-11-8 Class III wild animals for which a permit is required: venomous reptiles and crocodilians at least five feet long

A separate permit is required for individual wild animal and applies only to the location stated in the permit.

A permit issued under this rule expires one year from the date of issuance. If a timely and sufficient application is made for a permit renewal under section 3 of this rule, however, the permit does not expire until the department has entered a final determination with respect to the renewal application.

A wild animal that is possessed under any of the following licenses and permits is exempted from this rule:
- - - A scientific purposes license issued under 312 IAC 9-10-6.
    - A wild animal rehabilitation permit issued under 312 IAC 9-10-9.
    - An endangered species of turtle possessed under 312 IAC 9-5-11
This rule does not apply to the lawful taking or possessing of a wild animal as follows:
- - - During a season established under this article.
    - During the first six (6) months from the date of birth, if the animal is the offspring of a wild animal lawfully possessed under this rule
    - The mammal is possessed by a zoo, carnival, animal dealer, pet shop, circus, or nature center licensed under 9 CFR, Chapter 1, Subchapter A, Parts I through IV.
    - During the interstate shipment of animals through the state of Indiana.
A person who wishes to possess a wild animal, described as Class III in this rule must obtain a permit under this rule before the person takes possession of the animal. In addition to any procedural requirements, a notice under this subsection must also describe the following: the species of the wild animal AND where the animal will be kept.

Within forty-five days after the issuance of a permit, the permit holder must submit written verification from a licensed veterinarian that the animal appears to be free of disease and in good health to the division of fish and wildlife.

An application for a Class III wild animal must present a plan for the quick and safe recapture of the wild animal if the animal escapes or, if recapture is impracticable, for the destruction of the animal. After notification by the department of an intention to issue a permit, but before the permit is issued, the applicant must obtain the equipment needed to carry out the recapture and destruction plan. The nature and extent of the recapture plan and the equipment needed are dependent on the danger the escaped animal poses to: people, domestic animals, livestock, or other wildlife in the vicinity of the escape.

A permit holder who possesses a Class III wild animal must notify the department immediately after the discovery of any escape of the animal from the perimeter fence.

A permit application must be: completed on a department form and accompanied by a fee in the amount of twenty dollars.

A conservation officer shall inspect the cages or enclosures, wild animal itself if already in possession, and documentation of legal acquisition after the application is received and prior to the issuance of a permit.

An application must show the wild animal was lawfully acquired. A receipted invoice, bill of lading, or other evidence approved by the director shall accompany the application to establish compliance with this subsection.

Information on renewals can be found in 312 IAC 9-11-3 Renewal permit to possess a wild animal. A person who wishes to continue in possession of a wild animal after the expiration date in the permit must file an application for a renewal permit within thirty days of the expiration date.

A venomous reptile must be kept in a locked container within a locked building, compound, or enclosure. The premises shall have a notice clearly and conspicuously posted to provide the location of the nearest, most readily available source of appropriate anti-venin AND telephone number of the nearest poison control center.

Further details about caging etc. are in 312 IAC 9-11-13.5 Confinement and enclosure requirements for venomous reptiles and crocodilians

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Iowa

As per the state of Iowa Chapter 717F

The following are considered dangerous wild animals:
- A member of the order crocodilia, including but not limited to alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharials.
- A member of the order squamata which is any of the following:
  - A member of the family varanidae, which are limited to water monitors and crocodile monitors.
  - A member of the family atractaspidae, including but not limited to mole vipers and burrowing asps.
  - A member of the family helodermatidae, including but not limited to beaded lizards and gila monsters.
  - A member of the family elapidae, viperidae, crotalidae, atractaspidae, or hydrophidae which are venomous, including but not limited to cobras, mambas, coral snakes, kraits, adders, vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads, pit vipers, keelbacks, cottonmouths, and seasnakes.
  - A member of the superfamily henophidia, which are limited to reticulated pythons, anacondas, and African rock pythons.
If the animal was owned/possessed/purchased before July of 2007, grandfathering exists. Please see section 717F.4 Owning or possessing dangerous wild animals on July 1, 2007

The department shall seize a dangerous wild animal which is in the possession of a person if the person is not in compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Please see section 717F.5 Seizure, custody, and disposal of dangerous wild animals.

There are several exemptions but they are limited to different zoological institutions and government facilites. Please see 717F.7 Exemptions.

Registration fees will be collected by the department and vary between different species. Please see 717F.8 Dangerous wild animal registration fees
- $100 for a member of the order crocodilia, including but not limited to alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and gharials.
- $50 for a member of the family varanidae of the order squamata, which are limited to water monitors and crocodile monitors.
- $50 for a member of the family atractaspidae, including but not limited to mole vipers and burrowing asps.
- $50 for a member of the family helodermatidae, including but not limited to beaded lizards and gila monsters.
- $50 for a member of the family elapidae, viperidae, crotalidae, atractaspidae, or hydrophidae which are venomous, including but not limited to cobras, mambas, coral snakes, kraits, adders, vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads, pit vipers, keelbacks, cottonmouths, and sea snakes.
- $100 for a member of the superfamily henophidia, which are limited to reticulated pythons, anacondas, and African rock pythons.
Please see 717F.10 for Enforcement, 717F.11 for Civil penalties, 717F.12 for Injunctive relief, and lastly, 717F.13 for Criminal penalties

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Kansas

The state of Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism has a downloadable leaflet online that explains the taking and possession of native reptiles and amphibians. This is meant to be more of a guide. There is a great resource for field herping from the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Fort Hays State University published online.

115-15-3. Threatened and endangered wildlife; special permits and enforcement actions. These apply to the following animals: 115-15-1. Threatened and endangered species; general provisions.
- Cave salamander, Eurycea lucifuga (Endangered)
- Grotto salamander, Eurycea spelaea (Endangered)
- Eastern newt, Notophthalmus viridescens (Threatened)
- Longtail salamander, Eurycea longicauda (Threatened)
- Eastern narrow-mouthed toad, Gastrophryne carolinensis (Threatened)
- Green frog, Lithobates clamitans (Threatened)
- Strecker’s chorus frog, Pseudacris streckeri (Threatened)
- Green toad, Anaxyrus debilis (Threatened)
- Broad-headed skink, Plestidon laticeps (Threatened)
- Checkered gartersnake, Thamnophis marcianus (Threatened)
- New Mexico Threadsnake, Rena dissectus (Threatened)
- Northern map turtle, Graptemys geographica (Threatened)
  - A threatened or endangered species taken during established trapping seasons, authorized commercial wildlife operations, fishing by hook and line, bait fish seining, or other lawful activity shall not be unlawfully taken if immediately released.
  - Any threatened or endangered species in possession before the effective date of this regulation and not prohibited by any previous regulation of the department or national listings may be retained in possession if either of the following conditions is met: An application of affidavit to that effect has been filed with and approved by the secretary
    before January 1, 1990 that states the circumstances of how the species came into possession AND/OR possession of the animal has been previously approved by the department.
115-15-2. Nongame species; general provisions. The following species shall be designated
nongame species in need of conservation within the boundaries of the state of Kansas.
- Red-spotted toad, Anaxyrus punctatus
- Crawfish frog, Lithobates areolatus
- Spring peeper, Pseudacris crucifer
- Rough earthsnake, Haldea striatula
- Plains hog-nosed snake, Heterodon nasicus
- Timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus
- Eastern hog-nosed snake, Heterodon platirhinos
- Glossy snake, Arizona elegans
- Chihuahuan nightsnake, Hypsiglena jani
- Red-bellied snake, Storeria occipitomaculata
- Long-nosed snake, Rhinocheilus lecontei
- Smooth earthsnake, Virginia valeriae
- Alligator snapping turtle, Macrochelys temminckii
The species below are “dangerous regulated animals” in Kansas and cannot be kept without a permit (allowed only for certain exemptions) or by exempt facilities. Link to statute: https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/statute/032_000_0000_chapter/032_013_0000_article/032_013_0001_section/032_013_0001_k/
- Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and mountain lions, or any hybrid thereof;
- bears or any hybrid thereof; and
- all non-native, venomous snakes.

Kentucky

Prohibited Exotic Wildlife that are considered environmentally injurious shall not be imported, possessed, or transported through Kentucky. Those include:

Giant, marine, or cane toad Bufo marinus
Tongueless or African clawed frog Xenopus laevis

Those deemed inherently dangerous shall not be imported or possessed. This includes:

Alligators or caimans Family Alligatoridae
Crocodiles Family Crocodylidae
Gavials Family Gavialidae
Gila monsters or beaded lizards Family Helodermatidae
Venomous exotic snakes of the families Viperidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, and Colubridae, except for hognose snakes Genus Heterodon

Exemptions include AZA institutuions, municipal zoos, research universities, or permitted circuses. For further details see Section 5 of 301 KAR 2:082

Louisiana

BANS commercial take, possession, sale, purchase, trade, barter and exchange of restricted turtles.

EXEMPT: Wild-caught ones by turtle farmers on effective date and those imported

alligator snapping turtle
razor-backed musk turtle
box turtle

PERMIT (Reptile and Amphibian Wholesaler/Retail Dealer’s License OR Possession Permit) required for import or private possession of constrictors and venomous snakes.
EXEMPT:

Animal sanctuaries
Zoos and aquariums
Wildlife research centers
Scientific organizations
Medical research facilities

LIST: Constrictors includes:

Those over 8’ (statues say 8’ and rule says 12’)
Anaconda (Genus Eunectes)
Boa (Genus Boa)
Pythons: Papuan, olive, carpet, scrub, Amethystine, Southern African rock, African rock, Burmese, reticulated
Poisonous [venomous] Snakes includes: Viperidae, Elapidae, Hydrophiidae, Atractaspididae, Boomslang, twig snakes, keelback snakes

REQUIREMENTS:
Venomous:

- 1 year (500 hours) of experience with 2 references of those knowledgeable of such experience (half of experience may be substituted by zoological courses)
  Secure transport container when removing from field

All:

- Be 18+
- secure, escape-proof enclosures with locked doors or in locked rooms
- notify department of escapes outside room or enclosure
- allow inspections
- Have 30 days to become compliant if found not compliant or will forfeit animals
- Non-permitted owners have 30 days to obtain permit

(Louisiana Rev. Statutes 56:637.5.1; 76 Louisiana Admin Code Part VII Sec. 101)</ul

PERMIT (Alligator Permit) required to take, possess or sell alligators or eggs.

DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS

- - Illegal Take: Eggs, Trapping, Export Restriction: wild-caught ones during April 15 – June 15 (must be released)

OTHER HERP PERMITS

- - (NEW permit fees increased as shown below – Act 356 – Effective 11/15/21)
  - Recreational Fishing License (collect native herp for noncommercial purposes)
  - Nonresident Fishing License (collect native herp for noncommercial purposes)
  - Resident or Nonresident Collectors Permit (sell wild-caught native reptiles and amphibians except alligators) – $55 resident, $420 nonresident, $10 if under 18
  - Scientific Collector’s Permit (herpetological research – BANS sale)
  - Reptile and Amphibian Wholesaler/Retail Dealer’s License (acquire or propagate poisonous snakes and constrictors and native herp to sell/resell or sell native captive-bred herp)- $220 resident, $880 nonresident

EXEMPT:

- - farm raised aquatic turtles
  - employees operating at place of business
  - transport herp to a wholesale/retail dealer
  - Issues 3-day licenses for nonresidents- $150
  - Reptile and Amphibian Transport Permit (transport except Collectors or Wholesaler/Retail Dealer permit holders) – $65 resident, $250 nonresident

(Louisiana Rev. Statutes 3:2358, 56:632-637; Louisiana Admin. Code 7:1901 et. al., 76 LAC Part XV)

ENDANGERED SPECIES
BANS export, take, possession, processing, sale, delivery, carrying, transport and shipment of endangered species.
Threatened: Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Ringed Map Turtle, Gopher Tortoise, Black Pinesnake, Louisiana Pinesnake

Maine

Maine classifies all other wildlife in captivity except fish as either unregulated, prohibited, restricted or unclassified.

EXEMPT:

- - scientific or educational purposes take/import (Section 10105(10))
  - collection or use of native wildlife within state for personal, scientific or educational purposes
  - Wildlife purchased from a dealer or pet shop
  - Native wild-caught reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates not threatened/endangered/special concern for personal use
  - 5 per species of amphibians, 2 per species of reptiles and unlimited invertebrates legal without a permit if kept separate from non-native

EXCLUDES: Commercial use and import

- - Harvest and sale of native amphibians and nonmarine invertebrates under commercial permit
  - Permit to take and transport wildlife within state for breeding and advertising

Restricted (PERMIT required to possess, import, exhibit, propagate, or rehabilitate)

- - Category 1 (US or state threatened and endangered species, CITES Appendix I, IUCN Endangered, Critically Endangered or Extinct in the Wild, harbors agents substantially harmful to humans, livestock and native wildlife, USFWS Injurious Species, could survive in Maine, cause serious bodily injury, and housing and care requires professional facility)
  - Must be exhibitor, rehabilitator, laboratory, research
  - Category 2 (Require special care or commitment)
  - Issued to exhibitor, rehabilitator, laboratory, research or individual with demonstrated experience

ENDANGERED/THREATENED SPECIES (12 Maine Rev. Statutes §6971 et. al. and §12801 et. al.; Code of Maine Rules 09-137 Ch. 8)

- - BANS taking, possessing, taking and transporting endangered and threatened species except educational or scientific purposes or enhance recovery or survival.
  - Herps mentioned are:
    - box turtle,
    - black racer,
    - Blanding’s turtle,
    - spotted turtle

PERMITS: (Chapter 6)

- - Importation Permit (import wildlife including transport or relocation in state)
    - EXEMPT: unrestricted species or transport through
    - LIMITED TO: captive-bred wildlife or wild-caught native wildlife used to recover threatened or endangered species
    - ALSO NEED: Certificate of Veterinary Inspection
    - TYPES:
      - Category 1 restricted species importation permit –250 application/$27 permit
      - Category 2 restricted species importation permit – 100 application/$27 permit
  - Category 1 Restricted Species Exhibition Permit (Possess wildlife for commercial exhibition, attracting trade, or educational purposes) – 2 years – $250 application and $150 permit fee EXCLUDES: wolf hybrids
  - General Possession Permit for Category 2 Species (possession by exhibitor, rehabilitator, USDA laboratory, research facility or individual with experience) – 2 years – $27 application and $27 permit fees
    EXCLUDES: native wildlife (banned)
  - Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit (Possess debilitated or orphaned wildlife and rehabilitate and release or euthanize if release is not possible) – 2 years – FREE
    EXCLUDES: black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, threatened and endangered species, and exotic animals (BANNED)
    LIMITED TO: rehabilitation or approved public viewing for education
  - Research permit (import and possess endangered/threatened/human risk species or species requiring special housing or care for scientific research or educational purposes) – 2 years – FREE
    REQUIRES: animal care and use policy
  - Educational and Scientific Collection Permit (hunt, trap, possess, band and transport native wildlife for educational or scientific purposes) – 1 year – FREE
    EXEMPT: invertebrates not endangered/threatened/special concern, falconry, import, other captive wildlife permittees, fish
  - REQUIREMENTS: (Title 12: CONSERVATION, Part 13: INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE, Subpart 4: FISH AND WILDLIFE, Chapter 915: HUNTING: SEASONS, REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS, Subchapter 15: WILDLIFE IMPORTATION AND POSSESSION PERMITS AND REQUIREMENTS, §12151. Keeping wildlife in captivity and Chapter 7)

General:

- - NO conviction of criminal law involving cruelty to animals in last 10 years of law no longer in effect, NO adjudication of civil violation of animal cruelty, and no conviction or adjudication of similar law in another state or country
  - Allow inspections
  - Proof of federal permits and CITES compliance as applicable
  - MAY require microchips, spay/neuter, protected handler contact AND may have special conditions or exemptions for special needs animals
  - Restricted: maintain records for 5 years after disposition
  - Permission for new species or quantities and report births within 30 days
  - Meet ZAA and department facility and care requirements
  - NO chaining or tethering except training or controlled activities, medical care and grooming and except for diurnal birds of prey
  - Immediately notify of escapes of restricted
  - All but rehabilitators must submit head of adult cervid that dies for testing
    - For Restricted Species:
      - 18 or older
      - 1-year practical husbandry OR 100 hours training or 50 hours with Bachelor of Science AND 2 professional references for Class 1 OR 2 personal references for Class 2
      - Safety measures in place to prevent public injury
      - Records: Category 1 – emergency plan and requires authorization to allow public contact OR Category 2 – maintenance plan in case of owner’s death or injury
    - For Exhibition:
      - Requires 40 programs or 500 attendance every 2 years (may be waived educational)
      - Copy of USDA exhibitor’s license
      - Sufficient employees or volunteers (be 18+ if working directly with animals)
      - $500,000 general liability coverage
      - adequate barriers
      - signs telling public not to annoy animals
      - BANS unauthorized feeding by public
    - For Possession:
      - Must not run freely, be removed from premises, taken to public area or come into contact with the public except for to a veterinarian or person authorized to possess it
    - For Rehabilitation:
      - Examination for 1st application, prior permit holders renewing if not taken in last 3 years, and those not actively rehabilitating in last 3 years
      - 100 hours of experience (or 50 with Bachelor of Science) and 2 professional references
      - BANS sale, barter and trade except transfer of debilitated wildlife to another rehabilitator
      - Transfer of nonreleaseable to other facilities requires permission
      - Authorization for volunteers or interns and sub-permittees
      - Be responsible for rehabilitation costs except may charge veterinarian for care
      - IWRC or NWRA minimum standards
      - Wildlife must not become dependent on humans
      - Must either be released or euthanized within 6 months or request extension or transfer
      - Keep records and submit within 30 days of expiration or before renewal
      - Notify department within 48 hours of endangered and threatened species
      - Authorization if doing public viewing for education
      - Notify department of deaths of cervids
      - Allows “ability for strategic recruitment and permitting for wildlife rehabilitators”
  - ESCAPES (12 Maine Rev. Statutes §12152)
    Allowing exotic animals to escape is a Class E crime if 1) person has permit but fails to report escape, or 2) person does NOT have permit and reports escape. Class D crime if person does not have permit and does not report escape.
  - WILD-CAUGHT COMMERCIAL REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, INVERTEBRATES (Code of Maine Rules 09-137 Sec. 16.14)
    BANS wild-caught reptiles for export, sale or commercial purposes.
  - PERMIT required for wild-caught amphibians, freshwater mussels, butterflies, moths, dragonflies and beetles for export, sale or commercial purposes (must be 16+).
    - Commercial Amphibian Permit (harvest native amphibians for sale) – 1 year – $27
    - Commercial Nonmarine Invertebrate Permit (harvest freshwater mussels, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, beetles for commercial purposes) – 1 year – $27
  - SNAPPING TURTLES (GAME) (Code of Maine Rules 09-137 Sec. 16.14) BANS commercial take (see commercial use). Allows taking 2 snapping turtles from the wild for personal purposes without permit (as allowed under captive wildlife exemption).

Massachusetts

Animal owners may keep any animal on the special exemption list without a permit.

These reptiles and amphibians require a permit:

- - Argentina or Chaco Tortoise (Geochelone chilensis),
  - Gopher Tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and all other species in the genus Gopherus,
  - Pancake Tortoise (Malacochersus tornieri),
  - Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata),
  - Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta, including all subspecies and forms.),

All venomous snakes require a permit,

- - The Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard (Heloderatidae),
  - Big Bend Gecko (Coleonyx reticulatus),
  - Utah Night Lizard (Xantusia virgilis utahensis).

No species from the following definitions can be exempted and must have a permit: (a) Threatened or endangered species listed pursuant to the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended; (b) Species listed in the Red Book(-s) of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature; (c) Species appearing on the Massachusetts list of endangered, threatened, and special concern species at 321 CMR 10.90.
A permit means “License or Permit means a license or permit issued pursuant to the authority of M.G.L. c. 131, § 23.”

Michigan

For Wild Reptiles and Amphibians:

Please see Fisheries Order 224.21, which states It shall be unlawful to kill, take, trap, possess, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell, barter, or attempt to take, trap, possess or barter any reptile or amphibian from the wild, or the eggs of any reptile or amphibian from the wild, except as provided within this order. This is for the taking of wild herps and for personal use.

Certificate of Veterinary Inspection required for import of exotic, circus and zoo animals, native wild animals, domestic rabbit, nonnative rodents, nonnative reptiles and amphibians, and non-poultry birds.

Tortoises and turtles must have a carapace of at least 4” to be sold or distributed unless the buyer is given a health advisory sheet listing health risks of contacting Salmonellosis from turtles.

The state of Michigan BANS take, possession, transport, import, processing, export, buying and sale of US native and foreign and state endangered and threatened wildlife other than insects. Exemptions are for scientific, zoological, and educational purposes and propagation in captivity to ensure survival, imported ones with federal permit or state permit, and raptors for falconry.

The following amphibian species are included on the state list of endangered species:

- - Ambystoma opacum Marbled salamander
  - Ambystoma texanum Small-mouthed salamander or Smallmouth salamander
  - Siren intermedia nettingi Western lesser siren

The following amphibian species is included on the state list of threatened species:

- - Acris crepitans blanchardii [Acris blanchardi] Blanchard’s cricket frog

The following reptile species are included on the state list of endangered species:

- - Clonophis kirtlandii Kirtland’s snake
  - Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta Copper-bellied water snake or Copperbelly water snake

The following reptile species are included on the state list of threatened species:

- - Aspidoscelis sexlineatus [Aspidoscelis sexlineata] Six-lined racerunner
  - Clemmys guttata Spotted turtle
  - Glyptemys insculpta Wood turtle
  - Pantherophis gloydi Eastern fox snake
  - Sistrurus catenatus Eastern massasauga rattlesnake
  - Terrapene carolina [Terrapene carolina carolina] Eastern box turtle

Minnesota

The state of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has several sources on their website for the keeping of herps.

A person may not take, import, transport, or sell any portion of an endangered or threatened species of amphibian or reptile, or sell or possess with the intent to sell an article made with any part of the skin, hide, or parts of an endangered or threatened species of amphibian or reptile without a special MN DNR permit (M.S. 84.0895)

The following species of amphibian and reptile are listed as endangered or threatened in Minnesota:

Endangered

- - Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi)
  - Eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)

Threatened

- - Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
  - timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
  - Western ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
  - wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)

Click here for the full list of Minnesota’s Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species

A MN DNR permit is necessary to import the following species of live frog or toad, including eggs and tadpoles, into the State of Minnesota for use or sale as pets. 6256.0300 PERMITS FOR IMPORTING FROGS

- - Blanchard’s cricket frog (Acris blanchardi)
  - Cope’s gray tree frog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
  - gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor)
  - spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
  - boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata)
  - bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
  - green frog (Lithobates clamitans)
  - pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris)
  - Northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens)
  - mink frog (Lithobates septentrionalis)
  - wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus)
  - American toad (Anaxyrus americanus)
  - Great Plains toad (Anaxyrus cognatus)
  - Canadian toad (Anaxyrus hemiophrys)
  - Plains leopard frog (Lithobates blairi)
  - Southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephalus)
  - pig frog (Lithobates grylio)
  - river frog (Lithobates heckscheri)

A special MN DNR permit is required for residents to sell the frog and toad species listed above for purposes other than bait (M.S. 97C.601). Non-residents may not sell these species of frog or toad in the State of Minnesota. A person possessing or selling frogs, frog eggs, or tadpoles in Minnesota must also comply with local and federal laws that regulate these activities.

For frog, toad, or turtle importation or commercial sale questions or permits, please contact: fisheries.permits@state.mn.us

Wild turtles native to Minnesota may be imported into the State if legally collected in their state of origin. A MN DNR permit is required to import captive raised or bred native turtles into the State of Minnesota (MINN. R. 17.4985).

With the exception of the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), native turtles may not be sold as pets in the State of Minnesota (MINN. R. 6256.0500). A turtle seller’s or turtle seller’s apprentice license is required to take and sell common snapping turtles or painted turtles captured in Minnesota (MINN. R. 6256.0500). A person possessing or selling turtles or turtle eggs in Minnesota must also comply with local and federal laws that regulate these activities. The following turtle species are considered native to the State of Minnesota:

- - Blanding’s turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
  - Eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)
  - false map turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica)
  - Northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica)
  - painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)
  - snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
  - smooth Softshell turtle (Apalone mutica)
  - Southern (Ouachita) map turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis)
  - spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera)
  - Wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)

IMPORTANT LEGAL CHANGE: Snakes, lizards, and salamanders were added to the list of protected wild animals in 2017 (MINN. STAT. 97A). A person may not collect and/or sell wild collected Minnesota snakes, lizards, and/or salamanders unless otherwise permitted under the Fish and Game laws.

Mississippi

The state of Mississippi has specific rules about what are considered non-game wildlife and wildlife that is endangered or threatened. Those rules are as follows:

Rule 2.3 Regulations Regarding Non-Game Wildlife in Need of Management – Public Notice M4 3201 is hereby amended

- 1. Nongame Species in Need of Management: Definitions
    1. Nongame species in need of management in Mississippi include:
      1. 32 species of small mammals, one species of freshwater fish, and all the native species of reptiles and amphibians except those regulated by other rules of the Commission of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
      2. Species not regulated by this Public Notice include:
        
        endangered reptiles and amphibians
        
        reptiles and amphibians considered game species (bullfrog, pig frog, bronze frog)
        
        American Alligator
        
        Commercially recognized genetic color mutants, such as albinos or other color variants, of nongame wildlife in need of management
    2. For the purposes of this rule, nongame species in need of management may be referred to as nongame reptiles, nongame turtles, nongame snakes, nongame lizards, nongame amphibians, nongame frogs, nongame salamanders, nongame mammals, nongame fish, or nongame wildlife.
  2. The following species of nongame wildlife are deemed to be in need of management and are regulated by this public notice:
    - SALAMANDERS
    - Ambystoma cingulatum Flatwoods
    - Ambystoma maculatum Spotted
    - Ambystoma opacum Marbled
    - Ambystoma talpoideum Mole
    - Ambystoma texanum Smallmouth
    - Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum Eastern Tiger
    - Amphiuma means Two-toed Amphiuma
    - Amphiuma tridactylum Three-toed Amphiuma
    - Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Hellbender
    - Desmognathus auriculatus Southern Dusky
    - Desmognathus conanti Spotted Dusky
    - Eurycea cirrigera Two-lined
    - Eurycea longicauda Longtail
    - Eurycea guttolineata Three-lined
    - Eurycea quadridigitata Dwarf
    - Hemidactylium scutatum Four-toed
    - Plethodon ventralis Southern zigzag
    - Plethodon mississippi Mississippi slimy
    - Plethodon websteri Webster’s salamander
    - Pseudotriton montanus Mud salamander
    - Pseudotriton ruber Red salamander
    - Necturus beyeri Gulf Coast waterdog
    - Necturus louisianensis Red River waterdog
    - Necturus maculosus Mudpuppy
    - Notophthalmus viridescens Eastern newt
    - Siren intermedia Lesser siren
    - TOADS
    - Bufo americanus American
    - Bufo quercicus Oak
    - Bufo terrestris Southern
    - Bufo nebulifer Gulf Coast
    - Bufo fowleri Fowler’s
    - FROGS
    - Acris crepitans Northern cricket
    - Acris gryllus Southern cricket
    - Hyla avivoca Bird-voiced tree
    - Hyla chrysoscelis Coper’s gray tree
    - Hyla cinerea Green tree
    - Hyla femoralis Pine Woods tree
    - Hyla gratiosa Barking tree
    - Hyla squirella Squirrel tree
    - Hyla versicolor Gray tree
    - Pseudacris brachyphona Mountain chorus
    - Pseudacris crucifer Spring peeper
    - Pseudacris foquettei Cajun chorus
    - Pseudacris nigrita Southern chorus
    - Pseudacris ornata Ornate chorus
    - Pseudacris feriarum Southeastern chorus
    - Gastrophryne carolinensis Narrowmouth
    - Rana areolata circulosa Northern crawfish
    - Rana heckscheri River
    - Rana palustris Pickerel
    - Rana sphenocephala Southern leopard
    - TURTLES
    - Macrochelys temminckii Alligator snapper
    - Chelydra serpentina Common snapper
    - Chrysemys dorsalis Southern painted
    - Deirochelys reticularia chicken
    - Graptemys geographica common map
    - Graptemys gibbonsi Pascagoula map
    - Graptemys pseudogeographica Mississippi map
    - Graptemys pulchra Alabama map
    - Graptemys ouachitensis Ouachita map
    - Malaclemys terrapin Diamondback terrapin
    - Pseudemys concinna River cooter
    - Terrapene carolina Box
    - Trachemys scripta Red eared slider
    - Kinosternon subrubrum Eastern mud
    - Sternotherus carinatus Razorback musk
    - Sternotherus minor Stripeneck musk
    - Sternotherus odoratus Stinkpot
    - Apalone mutica Smooth softshell
    - Apalone spinifera Spiny softshell
    - LIZARDS
    - Anolis carolinensis Green anole
    - Sceloporus undulatus Eastern fence
    - Ophisaurus attenuatus Slender glass
    - Ophisaurus mimicus Mimic glass
    - Ophisaurus ventralis Eastern glass
    - Plestiodon laticeps Broadhead skink
    - Plestiodon anthracinus Coal skink
    - Plestiodon fasciatus Five-lined skink
    - Plestiodon inexpectatus Southeastern
    - Scincella lateralis Ground skink
    - Aspidoscelis sexlineatus Six-lined racerunner
    - SNAKES
    - Carphophis amoenus Worm
    - Cemophora coccinea Scarlet
    - Coluber constrictor priapus Southern black racer
    - Coluber constrictor latrunculus Blackmask racer
    - Diadophis punctatus Ringneck
    - Pantherophis guttata guttata Corn or Red rat
    - Pantherophis obsoleta spiloides Gray or Texas rat
    - Farancia abacura Mud
    - Heterodon platirhinos Eastern hognose
    - Lampropeltis calligaster Prairie King
    - Lampropeltis getula holbrooki Speckled King
    - Lampropeltis getula nigra Black king
    - Lampropeltis triangulum syspila Red milk
    - Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides Scarlet king
    - Masticophis flagellum Coachwhip
    - Nerodia cyclopion Green water
    - Nerodia erythrogaster Plainbelly water
    - Nerodia fasciata Southern water
    - Nerodia clarkii Gulf Salt Marsh
    - Nerodia rhombifer Diamondback water
    - Nerodia sipedon Northern water
    - Opheodrys aestivus Rough green
    - Regina grahamii Graham’s crayfish
    - Regina ridiga Glossy crayfish
    - Regina septemvittata Queen
    - Rhadinaea flavilata Pine woods
    - Storeria dekayi DeKay’s brown
    - Storeria occipitomaculata Redbelly
    - Tantilla coronata Southeast crowned
    - Thamnophis proximus Western ribbon
    - Thamnophis sauritus Eastern ribbon
    - Thamnophis sirtalis Common garter
    - Virginia striatula Rough earth
    - Virginia valeriae Smooth earth
    - Micrurus fulvius Eastern coral
    - Agkistrodon contortrix Copperhead (Note: no distinction between Eastern and Broad-banded)
    - Agkistrodon piscivorus Cottonmouth
    - Crotalus adamanteus Eastern diamondback
    - Crotalus horridus Canebreak rattler
    - Sistrurus miliarius Pygmy rattler
  3. Possession of Nongame Species in Need of Management for Personal Use
    1. Nongame wildlife taken from the wild for personal use may not be bought, sold, offered for sale, bartered, exported for sale, no exhibited except as otherwise provided by these regulations, other regulations of the Commission, by scientific collecting permits, or by other permits issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
    2. License requirements for possession of nongame species for personal use
      1. Mississippi Resident – Valid Resident Sportsman’s License, All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License, or Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License
      2. Nonresident – Valid Nonresident All Game Hunting license
  4. Limits for possession of nongame species for personal use
    1. Nongame Amphibians
      1. Possession limit of no more than twenty individuals
      2. Take from the wild not to exceed twenty per license year
      3. Specimens in possession or taken from the wild not ot exceed more than four individuals of any species or subspecies
    2. Nongame snakes and Nongame lizards
      1. Possession limit of no more than twenty individuals
      2. Take from the wild not to exceed twenty per license year
      3. Specimens in possession or taken from the wild not to exceed more than four individuals of any species or subspecies
      4. Containers or cages holding venomous snakes shall be prominently labeled with the words “DANGER” along with the common name of the species in a conspicuous place.
    3. Nongame turtles
      1. Alligator Snapping Turtles (also known as Loggerhead Snapping Turtles)
        
        Possession limit – No more than one individual with a top shell length (carapace length) of 24 inches or greater
        
        Take from the wild not to exceed more than one individual per license year
      2. Common Snapping Turtles, Smooth Softshell Turtles, and Spiny Softshell Turtles
        
        Daily bag limit of no more than one individual of any of the three species
        
        Possession limit and take from the wild not to exceed four individuals of any of the three species per license year
      3. All Other Nongame Turtles
        
        Possession limit of no more than ten individuals
        
        Take from the wild not to exceed ten individuals per license year
        
        Specimens in possession or taken from the wild not to exceed more than four individuals of any species or subspecies
  5. Seasons. No specimens of any species of nongame turtle may be taken from the wild between April 1st and June 30th except by permit issued by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
  6. Collection of the Common Snapping Turtle for Commercial Purposes
    1. New permits for commercial colleting of the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) will not be issued after the effective date of this rule.
    2. All existing permits for the commercial collection of common snapping turtles will end on the expiration date indicated on the permit and will not be renewed.
  7. This section is for mammals and fish
  8. Exceptions to License Requirements: Residents – A resident who does not hold a Valid Resident Sportsman’s License, All Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License, or Small Game Hunting/Freshwater Fishing License may kill a nongame snake or a nongame mammal under the following conditions:
    1. The venomous snake presents a reasonable danger to human life.
    2. The venomous or non-venomous snake is on lands in which the record title is vested in such person, or on lands which contian the principal residence of such person.
    3. Nongame mammals or snakes killed under such circumstances must be disposed of or left to decompose naturally and they or their parts may not enter commercial trade nor be retained in possession.
  9. Exceptions to License Requirements: Nonresidents – A person who does not hold a Nonresident All Game Hunting License may kill a nongame snake or a nongame mammal under the following conditions:
    1. If the venomous snake presents a reasonable danger to human life.
    2. If the nongame mammal or nongame snake has entered into a building being rented or leased by the nonresident.
    3. Nongame snakes or nongame mammals killed under such circumstances or their parts must be disposed of or left to decompose naturally and may not be retained in possession nor enter into commercial trade.
  10. Possession of Nongame Wildlife In Need of Management for Commercial Purposes
    1. Captive Propagation for Commercial Purposes
      1. Nongame wildlife may be propagated in captivity for commercial purposes only under permit from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
      2. Commercial purposes include taking, possessing, transporting, exporting, selling, offering for sale, shipping, bartering, exhibiting, or in any way using nongame wildlife in need of management for monetary or financial gain.
    2. Permits – A permit shall be required for Commercial Captive Propagation, subject to the following requirements and conditions:
      1. The permit shall be valid for one year and shall be signed by the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks or his designee.
      2. The propagator shall indicate the species of subspecies of nongame wildlife, by both scientific and common name, which will be propagated in captivity
      3. The propagator shall be a resident of Mississippi and the propagation facilites shall be located in Mississippi
      4. The propagator shall provide evidence of possessing the equipment and experience necessary for successful propagation of nongame wildlife in captivity
      5. The propagator shall provide evidence that the facilites in which captie propagation is to take place are adequate for the species and numbers for which a permit is required
      6. The propagator shall be at least sixteen years of age
      7. The propagator shall hold a valid commercial fishing license
      8. Permits to establish and perate commercial captive propagation facilites of nongame wildlife are not transferable except when incident to sale or other transfer of ownership of the facility, where transferees of the facility have met criteria established by Department rules and the Department has approved the transfer.
    3. Non-issuance and Revocation of Permits
      1. The Department may not issue a commercial captive propagation permit for nongame wildlife to any person who has been convicted of any violation of the regulations of the Department relating to nongame wildlife for five years following such conviction
      2. The Department shall revoke any existing commercial captive propagation permit for nongame wildlife upon the permittee’s conviction of any violation of regulations of the Department relating to nongame wildlife, upon conviction of any Class I Fish or Wildlife violation, or upon conviction under any Federal conservation statute.
      3. Upon revocation of a commercial captive propagation permit for nongame wildlife, the permittee shall have six months to dispose of legally acquired nongame stock.
      4. Nongame stock may not be disposed of to corporations or partnerships in which, by determination of the Department, the permittee is a principal.
      5. Permittee must report disposition of nongame stock to the Department within 30 days of final disposition. This report shall specify nongame stokc disposed of and recipients of this stock.
      6. A captive propagation permit may not be renewed unless the person holding that permit has acquired breeding stock, has established a breeding facility, and is attempting to propagate nongame wildlife in captivity.
  11. General Provisions concerning the Operation of a Commercial Captive Propagation Facility for Nongame Wildlife
    1. The premises of the commercial captive propagation facility shall be subject to inspection by the Department personnel at all times
    2. Complete written records of all changes in nongame wildlife breeding stock shall be kept and made available for examination by Department personnel.
    3. Shipping tickets, invoices, or bills of lading shall be maintained for five years form the date of transaction to show source of supply or disposition of nongame wildlife
    4. Each commercial propagator shall provide a summary report to the Department upon requesting renewal of a commercial captive propagation permit. Data to be included in the report shall pertain to both breeding stock and specimens raised for resale. This report shall indicate the numbers, by species and subspecies, of all nongame wildlife that were bought or sold during the permit year, the name of the seller or purchaser, and the complete address and telephone number of the seller or purchaser.
    5. The permittee shall provide security of the facility premises necessary to ensure that nongame wildlife, their eggs, or parts thereof, cannot be moved in or out of the facility premises without the permittee’s knowledge
    6. No provision of this rule shall authorize any person to keep in captivity any nongame wildlife in violation of any city or county ordinance.
    7. Containers or cages holding venomous snakes shall be prominently labeled with the words “DANGER” along with the common name of the species in a conspicuous place.
    8. Propagation facilities shall be inspected annually, at the permittee’s expense, by a wildlife biologist of the permittee’s choice. The annual inspection shall include, but not be limited to , the following:
      1. The premises of the captive propagation facility to verify the existence of and to locate on a scale map of the facility and the following:
      2. The ponds, buildings, pens, cages, or other mechanisms and structures designed to hold captive breeding stock.
      3. The ponds, buildings, pens, cages, or other mechanisms and structures designed to hold offspring of captive breeding stock prior to their sale
      4. Security features of the propagation facility that prevent the movement of captive wildlife into or out of the facility
      5. Verification that the wildlife species listed on the captive propagation permit are present at the facility, and if it can be accomplished in less that thirty minutes, whether the breeding stock of these species are present in the numbers claimed on the captive propagation application form. This should not be construed to mean that a census of captive wildlife is to be made.
      6. An examination of records of acquisitions of breeding stock made in the previous twelve months. This should include records of both specimens acquired from outside of the State of Mississippi and of specimens acquired by permit withing the State of Mississippi. These records should indicate the number and species that were acquired and include appropriate documentation that the specimens were legally obtained, including permits, bills of sale, and similar documentation.
      7. The wildlife biologist shall prepare, at the permittee’s expense, a report detailing the results of the inspection. The report may include photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, photocopies of documents, and/or charts, and shall include information on the physical structures of the captive propagation facility, the captive wildlife present, and data on any new breeding stock added to the facility in the previous twelve months. This report must be submitted to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and deemed acceptable by that agency before a captive propagation permit can be renewed.
  12. Acquisition of Breeding Stock for a Commercial Captive Propagation Facility
    1. Any person who holds a vaild commercial captive propagation permit may possess, for breeding purposes only:
      1. Up to eight individuals of any species or subspecies of nongame reptile taken from the wild in Mississippi.
      2. Up to sixteen individuals of any species of nongame amphibian taken from the wild in Mississippi.
    2. Additional specimens of nongame wildlife may be possessed, for breeding purposes only, if and only if those specimens
      1. Originated outside of Mississippi
      2. Were reared in captivity by a person holding a valid Mississippi commercial captive propagation permit
      3. As permitted by other sections of this rule
      4. By permit
      5. Documentary evidence of the place of origin of the additional specimens and that they were legally obtained must be maintained by the captive propagator
    3. If specimens of nongame wildlife are acquired from outside of Mississippi by a person holding a vaild commercial captive propagation permit and transported to that person’s facility within Mississippi by someone other that the propagation permit holder, the holder of the captive propagation permit must notify the District Office of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks of the district in which his facility is located, and provide in writing the following information to the Regional Office:
      1. The name, address, telephone number, and permit number of the commercial captive propagation permit holder who will be receiving the shipment on nongame wildlife.
      2. The species of nongame wildlife and number of each that will be shipped.
      3. The name, address, and telephone number of the shipper of the nongame wildlife. The date and approximate time that the shipment is expected to enter Mississippi.
      4. The route over which the shipment will travel in Mississippi, starting at the state border and proceeding to the location of the propagator’s facility.
      5. The type, make, model, and license plate number of the vehicle which will be used to transport the nongame wildlife.
      6. The name and drivers license number of the person driving the transport vehicle, if different from that of the shipper.
      7. The person driving the transport vehicle must have a bill of lading which includes the information required in subsections a, b, and c, above.
    4. Nongame wildlife which are used for breeding purposes by a captive propagator may be replaced upon death by individuals of the same species or subspecies from wild Mississippi populations only if a permit is obtained from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.
  13. Selling Captive Propagated Nongame Wildlife or Their Parts
    1. Nongame wildlife and their parts may enter into commercial trade in accordance with the provisions of this rule subject to the following:
      1. Nongame wildlife or their parts may be bought, possessed, transported, exported, sold, offered for sale, shipped, bartered, or exhibited for commercial purposes only if they were born or hatched in captivity in the facilities of a person holding a valid commercial captive propagation permit.
      2. Nongame wildlife or their parts taken from wild Mississippi populations may not be bought, possessed, transported, exported, sold, offered for sale, shipped, bartered, or exhibited for commercial purposes.
      3. A captive propagator shall provide to the purchaser at the time of purchase an invoice or bill of sale preprinted with the name and address of the propagator, and with the following: “Mississippi Commercial Captive Propagation Permit No.____”
      4. The invoice or bill of sale shall list the name and address of the purchaser, the date of the purchase, and the number by species or subspecies using both scientific and common names, of the nongame wildlife or their parts that are being purchased
      5. The purchaser shall retain the invoice orbill of sale for as long as the nongame wildlife or parts remain in his possession.
    2. The purchaser of nongame wildlife or their parts may resell these items with the following restrictions:
      1. No person shall sell nongame wildlife or their parts without maintaining documentary evidence showing the name and address of the supplier of such wildlife or parts.
      2. No person shall sell nongame wildlife or their parts unless said nongame wildlife or their parts were originally legally obtained from a Mississippi commercial captive propagation facility.
    3. All nongame wildlife or their parts and the documentary evidence of their source of acquisition shall be available for inspection upon request by Department personnel.
    4. Living specimens of nongame wildlife displayed or advertised for resale shall be clearly marked as captive-propagated species.
    5. Any person who buys nongame wildlife or its parts from a captive propagator for the purpose of reselling the nongame wildlife or its parts at the retail level, and whose wildlife-related business is conducted primarily at the retail level, shall be termed a Wildlife Retailer. An person who buys nongame wildlife or its parts from a captive propagator for the purposes of reselling the nongame wildlife or its parts at the wholesale level, and whose wildlife-related business is conducted primarily a thte wholesale level, shall be termed a Wildlife Wholesaler.
    6. Resident Wildlife Wholesalers shall be required to purchase a Resident Fur Buyers License or to possess a nongame importation permit.
    7. Nonresident Wildlife Wholesalers and nonresident Wildlife Retailers who solicit business through the mails, by advertising, or who travel to buy nongame wildlife or its parts within the State of Mississippi shall be required to purchase a Nonresident Fur Buyers License.
  14. Importation of nongame wildlife orginating from outside of Mississippi for commercial purposes.
    1. Nongame wildlife may be imported and exported for commercial purposes only under permit from the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. This permit, valid for one year from date of issuance and signed by the Executive Director of his designee, is subject to the following conditions and restrictions:
      1. All nongame wildlife imported or exported under an importer’s permit must have originated outside of Mississippi or have been purchased from a person holding a nongame wildlife captive propagation permit.
        
        The importer shall maintain documentary evidence of the origin of his stock through receipts, bills of lading, invoices, or valid collecting permits from the state in which the wildlife originated.
        
        Each importer shall keep complete records of all nongame wildlife in his possession for the year in which the permit is valid, including records showing the point of origin of imported nongame wildlife, from whom they were acquired, to whom they were sold, how many of each species were sold.
        
        Each importer shall provide a summary report to the Department upon requesting a renewal of an importer’s permit, and the report shall show the following:
        
        Numbers of each species of nongmae wildlife imported under the permit.
        
        Number dying while in the permittee’s possession.
        
        Number of each species exported.
        
        A profit/loss statement for the importation facility covering the previous twelve months
        
        The premises of the importer’s facility and his records relating to the importation and exportation of nongame wildlife shall be subject to inspection by Department personnel at all times.
        
        An application for an importer’s permit shall be made on forms provided by the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
        
        The cost of the permit shall be $500.
        
        An importer of nongame wildlife shall display prominently in his place of business a sign with the following: “NONGAME IMPORTER PERMIT NO.____. WE DO NOT BUY OR SELL ANIMALS COLLECTED IN MISSISSIPPI.”
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    2. The Department shall revoke any existing importer’s permit for nongame wildlife upon the permittee’s conviction of any violation of regulations of the Department relating to nongame wildlife, upon conviction of any Class I Fish or Wildlife violation, or upon conviction under any Federal conservation statute.
      1. Upon revocation of an importer’s permit for nongame wildlife, the permittee shall have siz months to dispose of legally acquired nongame stock.
      2. Nongame stock may not be disposed of to corporations or partnerships in which, by determination of the Department, the permittee is a principal.
      3. Permittee must report disposition of nongame stock to the Department within 30 days of final disposition.
      4. This report shall specify nongame stock disposed of and recipients of this stock.
    3. The permittee shall provide security of the facility premises necessary to ensure that nongame wildlife, their eggs, or parts thereof, cannot be moved in or out of the facility premises without the permittee’s knowledge. The permittee shall not release and shall take suitable measures to prevent the escape of nongame wildlife in his possession.
    4. Importation facilities shall be inspected annually, at the permittee’s expense, by a wildlife biologist of the permittee’s choice. The annual inspection shall include, but not be limited to the premises of the importation facility to verify the existence of and to locate on a scale map of the facility the following:
      1. The ponds, buildings, pens, cages, or other mechanisms and structures designed to hold imported wildlife.
      2. Security features of the importation facility that prevent the movement of captive wildlife into or out of the facility.
      3. Verification that the wildlife species held in captivity are treated in a humane manner, that they have adequate and appropriate food, water, and shelter from the elements, and that holding cages or other holding facilites are maintained in a sanitary condition.
      4. Disposal procedures for imported wildlife that die while in possession of the importation facility.
    5. The certified wildlife biologist shall prepare, at the permittee’s expense, a report detailing the results of the inspection.
    6. The report may include photographs, line drawings, maps, tables, photocopies of documents, and/or charts, and shall include information on the physical structures of the importation facility and the condition of the captive wildlife present.
    7. This report must be submitted to the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and deemed acceptable by that agency before an importation permit can be renewed.
  15. Penalties for violations

Penalties for violation of any section of these regulations shall be as provided in MISS. CODE ANN. 49-5-115.

RULE 2.4 ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES: DESIGNATION AND REGULATIONS. Public Notice M2 3357 is hereby amended.

- 1. The Official State List of Endangered Species is as follows:
    - AMPHIBIANS:
    - Mississippi Gopher Frog (Rana sevosa)
    - Cave Salamander (Eurycea lucifuga)
    - Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis)
    - One-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma pholeter)
    - Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphryiticus)
  - REPTILES:
  - Black Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi)
  - Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon corais couperi)
  - Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma)
  - Southern Hognose Snake (Heterodon simus)
  - Atlantic Ridley (Lepidochelys kempi)
  - Black-knobbed Sawback (Graptemys nigrinoda)
  - Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus)
  - Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
  - Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
  - Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
  - Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
  - Alabama Redbelly Turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis)
  - Ringed Sawback (Graptemys oculifera)
  - Yellow-blotched Sawback (Graptemys flavimaculata)

It shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell or offer for sale or shipment, and for any common or contract carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any species on the above list except as may be permitted by the Commission under SEction 49-5-111 of the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act.

Missouri

Missouri wild animal laws are found in the Rules of Department of Conservation: Division 10 – Conservation Commission, Chapter 9 – Wildlife Code: Confined Wildlife: Privileges, Permits, Standards

Any person holding wildlife in captivity in any manner shall have in his/her possession the prescribed permit or evidence of exemption. The commission may suspend, revoke, or deny a permit or privilege for cause, but not until an opportunity has been afforded for a hearing before the commission or its authorized representative. The hearings under this section shall be a contested case pursuant to Chapter 536, RSMo, and any person aggrieved by a final decision shall be entitled to judicial review as provided in Chapter 536, RSMo.
Permits listed in this chapter may be obtained only upon satisfaction of all requirements imposed by this code, including payment of fees at the time of application.
Permits listed in this chapter are nontransferable. No permit or permit application referenced in this chapter may be loaned, falsified, altered, or misrepresented in any manner.
The acceptance of a permit listed in this chapter shall constitute an acknowledgement of the duty to comply with the provisions of this code.
Except as provided in 3 CSR 10-9.425, permits listed in this chapter are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the prescribed permit year(s) listed on the permit.
Confined wildlife held within the provisions of this chapter, and any facilities used to hold such wildlife are subject to inspection by a conservation agent at any reasonable time. Refusal to allow access for an inspection shall constitute sufficient cause for suspension or revocation of permit privileges.
Confined wildlife held under permit within the provision of this chapter shall include only those species listed on the following Approved Confined Wildlife Species List.

Approved Confined Wildlife Species List

Class I Wildlife Breeders

- - Amphibians and Salamanders
    - Salamander, Tiger – Ambystoma tigrinum
  - Frogs and Toads
    - Bullfrog – Lithobates catesbeianus
    - Frog, Green (Bronze) – Lithobates clamitans
    - Frog, Southern Leopard – Lithobates sphenocephalus
    - Toad, American – Anaxyrus americanus
    - Treefrog, Eastern (Cope’s) Gray – Hyla versicolor/chrysoscelis
    - Treefrog, Green – Hyla cinera
  - Turtles, Lizards, and Snakes
    - Cooter, River – Pseudemys concinna
    - Slider, Red-eared – Trachemys scripta elegans
    - Softshell, Smooth – Apalone mutica
    - Softshell, Spiny – Apalone spinifera
    - Turtle, Ornate Box – Terrapene ornata
    - Turtle, Alligator Snapping – Macrochelys spp.
    - Turtle, Common Map – Graptemys geographica
    - Turtle, Common Musk (Stinkpot) – Sternotherus odoratus
    - Turtle, Common Snapping – Chelydra serpentina
    - Turtle, Mississippi Mud – Kinosternum subrubrum
    - Turtle, Southern Painted – Chrysemys dorsalis
    - Turtle, Three-toed – Terrapene carolina triunguis
    - Turtle, Western Painted – Chrysemys picta belli
    - Lizard, Eastern Collared – Crotaphytus collaris
    - Lizard, Prairie (Fence) – Sceloporus consobrinus (undulates)
    - Lizard, Slender Glass – Ophisaurus attenuatus
    - Lizard, Texas Horned – Phrynosoma cornutum
    - Skink, Five-lined – Plestiodon fasciatus
    - Bullsnake – Pituophis catenifer sayi
    - Kingsnake, Prairie – Lampropeltis calligaster
    - Kingsnake, Speckled – Lampropeltis getula holbrooki
    - Snake, Black Rat – Pantherophis obsoleteus
    - Snake, Eastern Garter – Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
    - Snake, Eastern Hog-nosed – Heterodon platirhinos
    - Snake, Great Plains Rat – Pantherophis emoryi
    - Snake, Red Milk – Lampropeltis triangulum syspila
    - Snake, Red-sided Garter – Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis
    - Snake, Western Hog-nosed (Plains) – Heterodon nasicus

Class II Wildlife Breeders

- - Copperhead – Agkistrodon contortrix
  - Cottonmouth – Agkistrodon piscivorus
  - Rattlesnake, Pygmy – Sistrurus miliarius
  - Rattlesnake, Timber (Canebrake) – Crotalus horridus

Confined wildlife permits and replacements for them may be issued only through the department office in Jefferson City upon receipt of proper application and the required permit fee. A service fee of three dollars ($3) is required for a replacement confined wildlife permit.

Possession of Native Species: A maximum of five (5) specimens of any native wildlife not listed in 3 CSR 10-4.110(4) or 3 CSR 10-9.240, except endangered species, bats, dusty hog-nosed snake, Kirtland’s snake, western fox snake, and alligator snapping turtles, may be taken and possessed alive by a resident of Missouri without permit, but these animals shall not be bought or sold. Bones, skins, shells, and other parts of such wildlife may be possessed for personal use without permit, but these wildlife parts in any form shall not be bought or sold. Wildlife held under this subsection may not be transported (or shipped) from the state.
Except for federally-designated endangered species and species listed in 3 CSR 10-4.117 and 3 CSR 10-9.240, the following may be bought, sold, possessed, transported, and exhibited without permit: Asian clams (Corbicula species) taken from impoundments that are not waters of the state; bison; amphibians, reptiles, and mammals not native to Missouri except those mammals located in a licensed big game hunting preserve; and those birds (except ring necked pheasants and gray partridge) not native to the continental United States.

3 CSR 10-9.220 Wildlife Confinement Standards
PURPOSE: This rule establishes standards to be followed by those holding wildlife in captivity to assure the animals are confined in humane and sanitary conditions and in ways that prevent escape.

Cages, pens, or other enclosures for confining wildlife shall be well braced, securely fastened to the floor or ground, covered with a top as required, and constructed with material of sufficient strength to prevent escape. Animals may not be released to the wild and must be confined at all times in cages, pens, or enclosures except in lead or drag races, or birds held under a falconry permit or as otherwise permitted in this chapter. Except for unweaned young, Class II wildlife and bobcat, American badger, coyote, red fox, and gray fox may not roam freely anywhere within a residence or inhabited dwelling. The following requirements shall be met:
- Any person holding any wildlife in confinement under permit within the provision of this chapter shall report all escapes immediately to a conservation agent;
- Clean drinking water shall be available in adequate amounts at all times. Semiaquatic animals, such as beaver and muskrat, shall be provided a pool of sufficient water depth for the animal to completely submerge;
- A shelter shall be provided for security and protection from inclement weather. Shade or an overhead structure shall be provided in warm seasons;
- Confined wildlife shall be fed daily or as required with a diet appropriate to the species and the age, size, and condition of the animal. Feeding containers shall be kept clean and uneaten food removed within a reasonable time;
- Animal wastes shall be removed daily and disposed of properly. If bedding is provided, it shall be cleaned out and replaced every two (2) weeks;

Care of confined turtles shall meet requirements set out in section (1). At least ten (10) gallons of water shall be provided for each adult aquatic turtle over four inches (4″) in shell length, and three (3) gallons of water shall be provided for each hatchling or turtle under four inches (4″) in shell length. At least four (4) square feet of ground space shall be provided for each box turtle over three inches (3″) in shell length and one (1) square foot of ground space shall be provided for each hatchling or turtle under three inches (3″) in shell length.

Cages, pens, or other enclosures for confining Class II wildlife shall be constructed to prevent direct physical contact with the public. At a minimum, this may be accomplished by a secondary barrier of wire mesh no smaller than eleven and one-half (11 1/2) gauge with openings of no more than nine (9) square inches, with a minimum distance of three feet (3′) between animal cage and public and a minimum height of six feet (6′). Doors shall remain locked at all times with appropriate locks and chains. Enclosures shall be constructed with a den, nest box, or connected housing unit that can be closed off and locked with the animal inside, or be a divided cage with a door between the compartments, to allow servicing and cleaning. The enclosure mesh size or spacing of bars shall be sufficient to prevent escape. A barrier system of wet or dry moats or structures, as approved by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, will meet these requirements.

Class II wildlife shall be confined in cages, pens, enclosures, or in buildings of sufficient strength with restraints affixed to all windows, doors, or other means of entry or exit.

Cages, pens, or other enclosures for Class II wildlife shall meet the standards outlined in Appendix A of this rule, which is included herein.

Species	Enclosure Space (sq. ft.)	Space per Each Additional Animal	Enclosure Height (feet)	Cage Material
Venomous Snakes	Perimeter must be 1 1/2 times length of longest snake	25% larger		When on public display outside approved confinement facility, any side of exhibit cage exposed to the public shall have a double glass or escape- proof double mesh barrier designed to prevent contact between venomous reptile and the public.

Mobile temporary enclosures and wildlife auction/sale facilities may be used to confine wildlife, except Class III wildlife, for no more than fourteen (14) days and shall meet the following criteria:
- Facilities or enclosures shall be of sufficient size to ensure that each animal or compatible groups of animals can stand erect, turn about freely, and lie naturally. Facilities or enclosures shall be designed to provide fresh air, be free from injurious drafts and engine exhaust fumes, and provide adequate protection from the elements. The structural strength of the facilities shall be sufficient to contain the wildlife and to withstand the normal rigors of transportation;
- Class I wildlife facilities or enclosures shall contain doors that are locked when unattended, but easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of the wildlife;
- Facilities or enclosures for Class II wildlife and bobcat, American badger, coyote, red fox, and gray fox shall be designed to prevent direct physical contact by the public and constructed of steel or case-hardened aluminum. Facilities or enclosures must have at least two (2) openings which are easily accessible at all times for emergency removal of the wildlife. Doors shall be locked at all times; and
- Venomous reptiles shall only be transported in a strong escape-proof enclosure capable of withstanding a strong impact. Enclosures shall be locked and prominently labeled with the owner’s full name, address, telephone number, list of species being transported, and a sign labeled VENOMOUS.
Other wildlife native to Missouri not listed in sections (2) and (5) and in rule 3 CSR 10-9.110, and birds native to the continental United States, shall be cared for and confined in facilities that provide comparable requirements for similar size animals as listed in this rule.
Requirements of this rule shall not apply to wildlife under the care of a veterinarian or rehabilitation center, or to animals legally held in publicly owned zoos and American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) accredited not-for-profit facilities.
Other variations from requirements of this rule shall be only as specifically authorized by the director.

3 CSR 10-9.223 Wildlife Movement: Certification, Requirements
PURPOSE: This rule clarifies that all wildlife held or transported in confinement shall comply with applicable state and federal animal health standards and movement requirements.

- 1. All persons holding or transporting wildlife in confinement shall comply with applicable state and federal regulations for animal health standards and movement requirements. These records shall be maintained on the premises and shall be subject to inspection by a conservation agent at any reasonable time for a period of at least five (5) years.

3 CSR 10-9.230 Class I Wildlife
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a new category for certain wildlife — wildlife inherently dangerous to humans and the provisions for private ownership of these species.

Class I wildlife shall include birds (including ring-necked pheasants and gray partridge) native to the continental United States, and those species of mammals (except bison and those listed in 3 CSR 10-9.240 and 3 CSR 10-9.250) and nonvenomous reptiles and amphibians native to Missouri. Permits to hold Class I wildlife in confinement will only be issued for the specific species of wildlife approved for each permit type on the Approved Confined Wildlife Species List in 3 CSR 10-9.105.

3 CSR 10-9.240 Class II Wildlife
PURPOSE: This rule identifies those species that can only be held under provisions of a Class II wildlife breeder permit

Class II wildlife shall include copperheads, cottonmouths, timber rattlesnakes, pygmy rattlesnakes, eastern massasauga, prairie massasauga, mountain lions or mountain lion-hybrids, wolves or wolf-hybrids, and black bears or black bear hybrids. Permits to hold Class II wildlife in confinement will only be issued for the specific species of wildlife approved for each permit type on the Approved Confined Wildlife Species List in 3 CSR 10-9.105.

3 CSR 10-9.350 Class I Wildlife Breeder Permit
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a permit for wildlife breeders.

- 1. To exercise the privileges of a Class I wildlife breeder. Fee: fifty dollars ($50).
  2. The following exemptions to the Class I Breeder Permit requirements of this chapter shall apply:
    1. A Class I wildlife breeder permit shall not be required for wildlife legally held by publicly owned zoos, or Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited not-for-profit facilities; however, such wildlife may not be held for personal use;
    2. A Class I wildlife breeder permit shall not be required of individuals holding migratory birds under valid federal authorization; except that a Class I Wildlife Breeder Permit or a Licensed Hunting Preserve Permit is required if captive-reared mallard ducks are held for the purpose of sale to or use in hunting preserves, field trials, or dog training areas, as
      prescribed in this chapter. Captive-reared mallard ducks may not be hunted except as prescribed in 3 CSR 10-9.565, 3 CSR 10-9.625, or 3 CSR 10-9.628 of this Code, and federal regulations. All captive-reared migratory waterfowl must be confined and marked as prescribed in 3 CSR 10-9.220. NOTE: For federal regulations on migratory waterfowl, see Title 50, Parts 20 and 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations; and
    3. A Class I Wildlife Breeder Permit shall not be required for the propagation, sale, or display of birds of prey by persons holding a valid federal permit; provided that these birds may be used to take or attempt to take wildlife only by persons holding a valid falconry permit.

3 CSR 10-9.351 Class II Wildlife Breeder Permit
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a new permit for holders of wildlife classified as inherently dangerous to humans.

- 1. To exercise the privileges of a Class II wildlife breeder, except these privileges may only be exercised for black bears and black bear-hybrids, mountain lions and mountain lion-hybrids, and wolves obtained under a valid Class II Wildlife Breeder Permit prior to August 30, 2021. Fee: two hundred fifty dollars ($250).
  2. The following exemptions to the Class II breeder permit requirements of this chapter shall apply:
    1. Wildlife legally held by publicly owned zoos, or Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited not-for-profit facilities are exempt from permit requirements; however, such wildlife may not be held for personal use.

3 CSR 10-9.352 Class III Wildlife Breeder Permit
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a Class III Wildlife Breeder Permit for breeders holding Class III wildlife that is required to be permitted and establishes the permit exemptions.

- 1. To exercise the privileges of a Class III wildlife breeder. Fee: fifty dollars ($50).
  2. The following exemptions to the Class III Wildlife Breeder Permit requirements of this chapter shall apply:
    1. Class III wildlife held in confinement that are not listed on the Approved Confined Wildlife Species List in 3 CSR 10-9.105 are exempt from permit requirements; and…
  3. For purposes of this chapter, animals are commingling or commingled if they have direct contact with each other, have less than ten feet (10′) of physical separation, or have indirect contact through shared equipment, pasture, or water sources.

3 CSR 10-9.353 Privileges of Class I and Class II Wildlife Breeders
PURPOSE: This rule establishes privileges and requirements for wildlife breeders. It has been reorganized from an older version to provide better organization and understanding; and to clarify that migratory waterfowl may be reared and held in captivity as provided in federal regulations but that such waterfowl may only be hunted as provided in 3 CSR 10-9.625 of this Code.

- 1. Class I and Class II wildlife as defined in 3 CSR 10-9.230 and 3 CSR 10-9.240, may be held in confinement by the holder of the appropriate Class I or Class II wildlife breeder permit at a specific location indicated on the permit. Class I wildlife may also be propagated or reared at a specific location listed on the permit, and Class I and Class II gamebirds, amphibians, and reptiles may be propagated, reared, or exhibited by the holder of the appropriate Class I or Class II wildlife breeder permit at a specific location listed on the permit. Applicants for a Class II Wildlife Breeder permit must qualify by passing with a score of at least eighty percent (80%) on a written examination provided by the department.
  2. Such wildlife may be possessed, used, sold, given away, transported, or shipped; provided, the provisions of 3 CSR 10-9.223 are followed and that state and federally-designated endangered species may not be sold without the written approval of the director; that black bears and black bear- hybrids, mountain lions and mountain lion-hybrids, and wolves may not be sold or given away to the holder of a Class II wildlife breeder permit; and that wildlife may be sold or given away only to the holder of the appropriate permit, where required, except as provided in section (5) of this rule.
  3. A permit may be granted after satisfactory evidence by the applicant that stock will be secured from a legal source other than the wild stock of this state; that the applicant will confine the wildlife in humane and sanitary facilities that meet standards specified in 3 CSR 10-9.220; and that the applicant will prevent other wildlife of the state from becoming a part of the enterprise.
  4. Cities, towns, and counties may establish ordinances further restricting or prohibiting ownership of Class II wildlife, with approval of the department. In instances where prohibitions
    apply, no permit will be issued by the department. Persons possessing Class II wildlife must comply with all requirements of section 578.023, RSMo.
  5. Wildlife, except skunks, foxes, coyotes, and raccoons may be shipped, transported, or consigned to a wildlife breeder by nonresidents without a Missouri wildlife breeder permit, but that wildlife shall be accompanied by appropriate permit or other proof of legality in the state of origin. Persons purchasing wildlife at consignment sales shall obtain a wildlife hobby or appropriate wildlife breeder permit prior to the purchase, except nonresidents may possess and transport purchased wildlife without permit for forty-eight (48) hours following close of the sale.
  6. Notification of the date and place of any public sale of consigned wildlife shall be provided to the conservation agent of the county in which the sale will be held not less than thirty (30) days prior to the sale.
  1. The holder of a Class I or Class II wildlife breeder permit may exhibit wildlife at the locations of wildlife consignment sales for the purpose of sale. Class I and Class II gamebirds, amphibians, and reptiles may be exhibited by the holder of the appropriate Class I or Class II wildlife breeder permit at locations other than those listed on the permit.
  2. Any sale, shipment, or gift of wildlife by a Class I or Class II wildlife breeder shall be accompanied by a written statement giving the breeder permit number and showing the number of each species and the name and address of the recipient.
  1. No Class I or II wildlife may be liberated unless specific permission has been granted on written application to the conservation agent in the county where the release is to be made.

3 CSR 10-9.359 Class I and Class II Wildlife Breeder: Records Required
PURPOSE: This rule requires each wildlife breeder to submit a report of his/her activities.
Each Class I and Class II wildlife breeder shall maintain a complete, accurate, and current record, by date, of all transactions showing the place of origin and the numbers and species of wildlife which were possessed, propagated, bought, sold, consigned, brokered, transported, shipped, given away, used, or which have died, on forms provided by the department. Printed copies of these forms can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 and online at www.missouriconservation.org. These records and applicable state and federal animal health records and permits for each animal shall be maintained on the premises of the wildlife breeder and shall be subject to inspection by an authorized agent of the department at any reasonable time.

3 CSR 10-9.370 Wildlife Exhibitor Permit
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a permit to maintain and operate a wildlife exhibit containing Class I wildlife, Class II wildlife, and native fish other than those listed on the Approved Aquatic Species List, except, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, native bats, and prohibited species.

- 1. To maintain and operate a wildlife exhibit in accordance with 3 CSR 10-9.371 holding Class I wildlife as defined in 3 CSR 10-9.230, Class II wildlife as defined in 3 CSR 10-9.240, and native fish not listed on the Approved Aquatic Species List in 3 CSR 10-9.110(3)(H), except coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, native bat species, and prohibited species as defined in 3 CSR 10-4.117. All wildlife must be obtained in accordance with federal regulations, if applicable, and must originate from a legal source other than the wild stock of this state.
  2. Any person applying for a Wildlife Exhibitor Permit shall complete an application involving on-site inspections of the exhibit facilities prior to and following construction activities by a conservation agent to determine that all provisions of this rule and 3 CSR 10-9.371 are met before a permit is issued. Fee: one thousand dollars ($1,000).
  3. The following exemptions to the Wildlife Exhibitor Permit requirements of this chapter shall apply:
    1. A Wildlife Exhibitor Permit shall not be required for wildlife legally held by publicly owned zoos, or Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited not-for-profit facilities; however, such wildlife may not be held for personal use;

3 CSR 10-9.371 Wildlife Exhibitor Privileges
PURPOSE: This rule establishes the privileges and requirements for wildlife exhibitors.

- 1. Subject to federal regulations, wildlife specified in 3 CSR 10-9.370(1) may be held in confinement and exhibited by the holder of a Wildlife Exhibitor Permit only at a specific location indicated on the permit, except as otherwise provided in section (6) of this rule. Applicants for an exhibitor permit to hold Class II wildlife must qualify by passing with a score of at least eighty percent (80%) on a written examination provided by the department.
  2. Such wildlife may not be propagated, but may be bought, imported, exported, given away, transferred, transported, or shipped; provided, the provisions of 3 CSR 10-9.223 are followed; and that wildlife may be transferred or given away only to the holder of the appropriate permit, where required.
  3. Wildlife that will become a part of the enterprise shall be limited to the species specified on the wildlife exhibitor’s permit. A permit may be granted after satisfactory evidence by the applicant that all fish and wildlife held as a part of the enterprise will be secured from a legal source other than the wild stock of this state and their descendants; that the applicant will confine the wildlife in humane and sanitary facilities that meet standards specified in 3 CSR 10-9.220; that the applicant will confine fish and aquatic or semi-aquatic invertebrates in humane and sanitary facilities that meet the standards specified for closed systems defined in 3 CSR 10-9.110(3)(G)6.; and that the applicant will prevent the wild stock of this state from becoming a part of the enterprise.
  4. Wildlife exhibit facilities shall become accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) within three (3) years of the issuance of the initial Wildlife Exhibitor Permit for the facility, regardless of any changes in ownership or permittee. If there is a change of ownership or permittee prior to the initial accreditation of a wildlife exhibit facility, the director may, but is not required to, authorize a period of no more than (2) years for the new permittee to attain AZA accreditation. If an event occurs that requires a wildlife exhibit facility that is accredited by the AZA to reprocess for accreditation, the wildlife exhibit facility shall become accredited by the AZA within two (2) years after the event that required the facility to reprocess for accreditation, regardless of any subsequent changes in ownership or permittee. The director may authorize a one- (1-) time extension to the AZA accreditation requirement for a period of one (1) year, provided the permittee is in process of obtaining AZA accreditation. After the permittee’s initial accreditation by the AZA, the permittee shall continue to maintain AZA accreditation of the wildlife exhibit facility. Except as otherwise provided in this section, failure to obtain or maintain AZA accreditation shall be sufficient cause for the department to revoke the current year’s wildlife exhibitor permit and deny renewal of the permit for the following year.
  5. Cities, towns, and counties may establish ordinances further restricting or prohibiting ownership of Class II wildlife, with approval of the department. In instances where prohibitions apply, no Wildlife Exhibitor Permit will be issued by the department. Persons possessing Class II wildlife must comply with all requirements of section 578.023, RSMo.
  6. Reptiles and amphibians may be exhibited at locations other than those listed on the permit, provided mobile temporary exhibit confinement standards as specified in 3 CSR 10-9.220 shall apply
  7. Any shipment, transfer, or gift of wildlife by a wildlife exhibitor shall be accompanied by a written statement giving the wildlife exhibitor permit number and showing the number of each species, the species and unique identification number for each animal, if applicable, and the name and address of the recipient. No wildlife of any kind may be liberated to the wild.
  8. Wildlife held under the provisions of this rule must be confined in humane and sanitary facilities that meet standards specified in 3 CSR 10-9.220 and the standards specified for closed systems defined in 3 CSR 10-9.110(3)(G)6. for fish and aquatic or semi-aquatic invertebrates. Each cage, tank, or enclosure shall be labeled, correctly identifying the animal(s) held in the cage, tank, or enclosure by common and scientific name.
  9. If the mortality rates of any species of wildlife held in accordance with this rule are deemed excessive by the state wildlife veterinarian, it shall be sufficient cause for the department to remove the authorization to hold that species from the permittee’s Wildlife Exhibitor Permit. Authorization to hold such wildlife may be denied until the permittee demonstrates to the state wildlife veterinarian that the cause of the excessive mortality has been corrected.
  1. The holder of a Wildlife Exhibitor Permit shall report the acquisition, death, transfer, or gift of any animal belonging to a species of fish or wildlife listed in the current Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist booklet, Revised January 2020, which is hereby incorporated in this Code by reference, that are listed with a State or Federal status of Endangered or Threatened, to a conservation agent within three (3) days of the acquisition, death, transfer, or gift of the animal. This report shall include the specific disposition of the animal, including the name, address, and permit number if applicable, of the person the animal was given or transferred to. This booklet is published annually in January by, and a printed copy can be obtained from, the Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 and is also available online at www.missouriconservation.org. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions to the Checklist.

3 CSR 10-9.372 Wildlife Exhibitor Permit: Records Required
PURPOSE: This rule establishes the record keeping requirements for the holder of a Wildlife Exhibitor Permit.

- 1. Each permit holder shall maintain an accurate permanent record, by date, of all transactions involving each animal held, acquired, imported, exported, transferred, given away, disposed of, or which have died, including the species and quantity, individual identification number of each animal if applicable, place of origin, the name, address, and permit number, where required, of each seller or transferee on a form approved by the department. The permit holder shall also establish and maintain a system of inventory in a format approved by the department that includes an up-to-date and accurate list of all wildlife currently held, including the species and quantity, individual identification number of each animal if applicable, and the location of all reptiles and amphibians held in confinement at locations other than the location indicated on the permit.
  2. These records and applicable state and federal animal health records and permits for each animal, including documentation for each animal showing it was obtained from a legal source other than the wild stock of the state, shall be maintained on the premises of the exhibit and shall be subject to inspection by a conservation agent at any reasonable time.

3 CSR 10-9.415 Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit
PURPOSE: This rule is being established to provide specific authority for qualified individuals or entities to hold wildlife for rehabilitation.

- 1. A permit to take, possess, transport and hold in captivity for rehabilitation, sick or injured wildlife of Missouri origin. Wildlife may not be propagated, sold, exhibited, given away, held more than one hundred twenty (120) days, released or otherwise disposed of except as authorized by an agent of the department. This permit may be issued only to individuals or organizations qualified to rehabilitate wildlife through graduation from a school of veterinary medicine or other substantive training and experience in wildlife rehabilitation.
  2. Species authorized to be held are limited to those specified on the permit. Any traps, nets or other devices used to take sick or injured wildlife under this permit shall be attended daily, or be constantly attended if so stated on the permit, and labeled with the permit holder’s full name and address. The names and addresses of persons assisting under the direct supervision of the holder of the permit shall be submitted to the local conservation agent in writing before assistance can be rendered. This permit does not relieve the holder of full compliance with other provisions of the Code or other state and federal requirements. The wildlife rehabilitation permit is not valid until signed.
  3. Animals held for rehabilitation must remain at the location specified on the permit or a veterinarian’s premises except as otherwise authorized in writing by the director. The permit holder will confine the wildlife for public safety in a humane and sanitary condition acceptable to the Department of Conservation.
  4. Each permit holder shall maintain a current record, on forms furnished by the department, of each animal received, rehabilitated, destroyed, or released. Printed copies of these forms can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Conservation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 and online at www.missouriconservation.org. These records shall be available for inspection by an authorized agent of the department at any reasonable time.

3 CSR 10-9.425 Wildlife Collector’s Permit
PURPOSE: This rule establishes a permit under which wildlife may be taken for scientific purposes.

- 1. A permit to collect, possess, mount, or preserve wildlife for scientific related purposes.
    1. Wildlife Collector’s Permit for Scientific Purposes. Wildlife collector’s permits may be granted to an authorized representative of a university, college, school, incorporated city, state or federal agency, publicly-owned zoo, or wildlife or research organization or other qualified individual; provided, that the collection shall be used exclusively for scientific, educational or museum purposes. Fee: five dollars ($5).
    2. Wildlife Collector’s Permit for Special Collections of Wildlife. Wildlife collector’s permits may be issued to professionally qualified individuals who charge a fee for biological studies for specific projects where the potential results are of sufficient public value and interest to justify special collection of wildlife. Fee: fifty dollars ($50).
  2. General Requirements for Permit Holders. Species and numbers of each to be collected and collecting methods are limited to those specified on the permit. Advance notification shall be given to the conservation agent or Protection Division regional supervisor in the county or area as to where and when the collecting will be done. The permit holder’s name, address, and wildlife collector’s permit number shall be on all trapping and netting devices. The traps, nets, or other devices used under this permit shall be attended at least daily, or be constantly attended if so stated on the permit. The collected specimens shall be donated to a museum or educational institution or disposed of in accordance with instructions of the department. Wildlife held under a wildlife collector’s
    permit may be propagated but shall not be sold or exhibited commercially. When holding live specimens, permit holders are required to adhere to wildlife confinement standards set forth in 3 CSR 10-9.220. Wildlife removed from the wild and held in captivity at locations other than the point of capture are not to be returned to the wild unless specifically approved on the permit. Assistants in the field must be under the direct, in-person supervision of the permit holder at all times. This permit does not relieve the holder of full compliance with other provisions of the Code or other state and federal requirements.
  3. The wildlife collector’s permit is not valid until signed by the permit holder. The permit is valid for one (1) year from January 1. The permit holder shall submit a wildlife collector’s
    permit report to the department within thirty (30) days of the permit’s expiration date. Issuance of permits for the following year shall be conditioned on compliance with this Code, specified conditions of the permit, and receipt of a satisfactory wildlife collector’s permit report. Stream Teams, Discover Nature Schools classes, and department volunteers, working on department authorized programs or wildlife collection projects, are exempt from the requirements of this rule.

Montana

In the state of Montana unless otherwise regulated pursuant to 87-5-116, all nonnative tropical and subtropical species of nonvenomous snakes not on the controlled or prohibited lists in the families:

- - Boidae (Boas)
  - Bolyeriidae (Round Island Boas)
  - Tropidophiidae (dwarf boas)
  - Pythonidae (pythons)
  - Colubridae (modern snakes)
  - Acrochordidae (file and elephant trunk snakes)
  - Xenopeltidae (sunbeam snakes)
  - Aniliidae (pipe snakes)
  - Uropeltidae (shield-tailed snakes)
  - Anomalepididae (blind snakes)
  - Leptotyphlopidae (blind snakes)
  - Typhlopidae (blind snakes)

All nonnative tropical and subtropical species of nonvenomous lizards not on the controlled or prohibited lists, including but not limited to the following families or subfamilies:

- - Agamidae (chisel-teeth lizards)
  - Amphisbaenidae (worm lizards)
  - Anelytropsidae (limbless lizards)
  - Anguidae (glass and alligator lizards)
  - Anniellidae (legless lizards)
  - Chamaeleonidae (chameleons)
  - Cordylidae (girdle-tailed lizards)
  - Corytophanidae (casquehead lizards)
  - Crotaphytidae (collared and leopard lizards)
  - Dibamidae (blind lizards)
  - Eublepharidae (eyelid geckos)
  - Feyliniidae (African snake skinks)
  - Gekkonidae (geckos)
  - Helodermatidae (beaded lizards and gila monsters)
  - Iguanidae (iguanas)
  - Lacertidae (wall lizards)
  - Lanthanotidae (earless monitor)
  - Phrynosomatidae (earless, spiny, and horned lizards)
  - Polychrotidae (anoles)
  - Pygopodidae (snake lizards)
  - Scincidae (skinks)
  - Teiidae (whiptail)
  - Tropiduridae (neotropical ground lizards)
  - Varanidae (monitor lizard)
  - Xantusiidae (night lizards)
  - Xenosauridae (knob-scaled lizards)

All nonnative tropical and subtropical species of turtles with a carapace or shell length of more than 4 inches and not on the controlled or prohibited lists in the families:

- - Carettochelyidae (New Guinea softshell turtles)
  - Chelidae (snake-necked turtles)
  - Chelydridae (snapping turtles)
  - Dermatemydidae (Central American river turtle)
  - Emydidae (pond turtles)
  - Kinosternidae (mud turtles and musk turtles)
  - Pelomedusidae (hidden-necked turtles)
  - Platysternidae (big-headed turtle)
  - Testudinidae (tortoises)
  - Trionychidae (soft-shelled turtles)

All nonnative tropical and subtropical species of frogs and toads not on the controlled or prohibited lists in the families:

- - Atelopodidae (harlequin frogs)
  - Bufonidae (true toads)
  - Centrolenidae (glass frogs)
  - Dendrobatidae (poison dart frogs)
  - Hylidae (tree frogs)
  - Leptodactylidae (rain frogs)
  - Microhylidae (narrow-mouthed toads)
  - Pelobatidae (spadefoot toads)
  - Pelodytidae (old world spadefoot toads)
  - Ranidae (true frogs, except bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana)
  - Rhacophoridae (old world tree frogs)
  - Rhinophrynidae (Mexican burrowing frog)

all nonnative tropical and subtropical species of limbless amphibians not on the controlled or prohibited lists in the families:

- - Caeciliidae (caecilians)
  - Ichthyophiidae (fish caecilians)
  - Rhinatrematidae (beaked caecilians)
  - Scolecomorphidae (tropical caecilians)
  - Uraeotyphlidae (Indian caecilians)

all nonnative tropical and subtropical species of salamanders not on the controlled or prohibited lists in the families

- - Ambystomatidae (mole salamanders)
  - Amphiumidae (amphiumas)
  - Cryptobranchidae (hellbenders)
  - Dicamptodontidae (giant salamanders)
  - Hynobiidae (Asian salamanders)
  - Plethodontidae (woodland salamanders)
  - Proteidae (waterdogs)
  - Salamandridae (newts, except for rough-skinned newt, Taricha granulosa)
  - Sirenidae (sirens)

List of Prohibited Species

- - African clawed frog – Xenopus laevis
  - North American bullfrog – Rana catesbeiana
  - African rock python – Python sebae
  - Alligatoridae family
  - Amethystine python – Morelia amethistina
  - Boomslang – Dispholidus typus
  - Burrowing asps (all species in family Atractaspidae)
  - Coral snakes (all species in family Elapidae)
  - Cobras (all species in family Elapidae)
  - Crocodylidae family
  - Green Anaconda – Eunectes marinus
  - Indian python (including the Burmese python) – Python molurus
  - Kraits (all species in family Elapidae)
  - Mambas (all species in family Elapidae)
  - Pit vipers and true vipers (all species in family Viperidae except species indigenous to Montana)
  - Red-eared slider – Trachemys scripta elegans
  - Reticulated python – Python reticulatus

Nebraska

No Threatened or Endangered Species may be kept in the state of Nebraska. Captive Wildlife permits are only needed for certain birds and mammals. Some reptiles and amphibians are subject to state regulations and can only be taken or kept with a Scientific and Education Permit

The following information pertains to reptiles and amphibians native to Nebraska:

The take of reptiles and amphibians in Nebraska is regulated. The provisions of take are dependent on the species. The following list provides a synopsis of allowed take; specific regulations are contained in Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Wildlife Regulations Chapter 4, Section 10 and Fisheries Regulations, Chapter 2, Sections 2, 6, and 9. (Scientific names used below those accepted as standardized names at the time of the issuance of regulations and does not reflect recent changes in Nomenclature.)

Under Chapter 4, Sec. 010.02, the following reptile and amphibian species are considered nongame species in need of conservation. It is unlawful to take these species without a Scientific and Educational Permit.

Smallmouth Salamander	Ambystoma texanum	Eastern Glossy Snake	Arizona elegans
American Toad	Anaxyrus americanus	Smooth Green Snake	Liochlorophis vernalis
Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad	Gastrophryne olivacea	Graham’s Crayfish Snake	Regina grahamii
Five-lined Skink	Plestiodon fasciatus	Plains Blackhead Snake	Tantilla nigriceps
Great Plains Skink	Plestiodon obsoletus	Western Ribbon Snake	Thamnophis proximus
Sagebrush Lizard	Sceloporus graciosus	Red-bellied Snake	Storeria occipitomaculata
Western Slender Glass Lizard	Ophisaurus attenuatus	Copperhead Snake	Agkistrodon contortrix
Mountain Short-horned Lizard	Phrynosoma hernandesi	Terestrial Garter Snake	Thamnophis elegans
Western Worm Snake	Carphophis vermis	Blanding’s Turtle	Emydoidea blandingii
Timber Rattlesnake	Crotalus horridus	False Map Turtle	Graptemys pseudogeographica
Prairie Kingsnake	Lampropeltis calligaster	Eastern Tiger Salamander	Ambystoma trigrinum
Speckled Kingsnake	Lampropeltis holbrooki	Diamondback Water Snake	Nerodia rhombifer

Under Chapter 4, Sec. 010.03A3 take of the following species is limited to a bag and possession limit of ten (10) individuals per species. Take of more individuals than the bag and possession limit requires a Scientific and Educational Permit.

Blanchard’s Cricket Frog	Acris blanchrdi	Prairie Rattlesnake	Crotalus viridis
Boreal Chorus Frog	Pseudacris maculata	Ringneck Snake	Diadophis punctatus
Great Plains Toad	Anaxyrus cognatus	Northern Water Snake	Nerodia sipedon
Woodhouse’s Toad	Anaxyrus woodhousii	Bullsnake	Pituophis catenifer
Plains Spadefoot Toad	Spea bombifrons	Plains Garter Snake	Thamnophis radix
Six-lined Racerunner	Aspidoscelis sexlineatus	Common Garter Snake	Thamnophis sirtalis
Prairie Lizard	Sceloporus consobrinus	Painted Turtle	Chrysemys picta
Eastern Racer	Coluber constrictor	False Map Turtle	Graptemys pseudogeographica

Under Chapter 4, Sec. 010.03A4 take of the following species is limited to a bag and possession limit of three (3) individuals per species. Take of more individuals than the bag and possession limit requires a Scientific and Educational Permit.

</tableUnder Chapter 2, Sections 2, 6, and 9 take of the following species is limited to a bag and possession limit as indicated per species. Take of more individuals than the bag and possession limit requires a Scientific and Educational Permit.
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Nevada

503.110 Restrictions on importation, transportation and possession of certain species.Except as otherwise provided in this section and NAC 504.486, the importation, transportation or possession of the following species of live wildlife or hybrids thereof, including viable embryos or gametes, is prohibited:Reptiles:Amphibians:Species for which certain permits and licenses are not required: Specification; release; sale; exceptions. Species listed in this section must not be released into the wild, except as otherwise authorized by the Department in writing. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 4, lawfully acquired species listed in this section may be sold in Nevada. This section does not authorize the sale, possession, transportation, importation or exportation of animals in violation of any applicable federal or state law, county or city ordinance, or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto.
Nonvenomous, nonindigenous reptile species and subspecies
Albino forms of indigenous reptile species
Nonindigenous species of amphibians, except: Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana); and Species listed in NAC 503.110;
California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getulus californiae) that do not have between their head and vent a continuous pattern of bands or rings regardless of whether the bands or rings are opened or closed.
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New Hampshire

Many thanks to the New England Herpetological Society for compiling this informationCHAPTER Fis 800 THE IMPORTATION, POSSESSION AND USE OF ALL WILDLIFEImportationA permit shall be required to import (FIS 803.03; to request a permit see instructions under FIS 803.13) the following:
Alligators and Crocodiles
All venomous reptiles (including specimens where venom glands have been removed)
All indigenous amphibians and reptiles listed below:
PART Fis 804 POSSESSION OF WILDLIFEA permit to possess wildlife shall not be required for any person to possess wildlife designated as non-controlled as specified in (b), below.For purposes of this part, the following species or groups of wildlife shall be designated as non-controlled:
Amphibians, exotic;
Amphibians, indigenous, listed in Table 800.2 for category 1, for up to 5 specimens per species;
Reptiles, exotic, except:
- Alligator (Alligatoridae, spp);
- Crocodile (Crocodylidae, spp); and
- Venomous reptiles, other than the Western Hognose Snake
Indigenous reptiles listed in Table 800.2 for category 1, for up to 2 specimens of each species;

Species		Legal Possession Limit by Regulation
Cope’s Gray Treefrog	Hyla chrysoscelis	Milk Snake	Lampropeltis triangulum
Gray Treefrog	Hyla versicolr	Coachwhip Snake	Masticophis flagellum
Northern Prairie Skink	Plestiodon septentrionalis	Brown Snake	Storeria dekayi
Many-lined Skink	Plestiodon multivirgatus	Lined Snake	Tropidoclonion lineatum
Lesser Earless Lizard	Holbrookia maculata	Yellow Mud Turtle	Kinosternon flavescens
Great Plains Rat Snake	Pantherophis emoryi	Ornate Box Turtle	Terrapene ornata
Western Rat Snake	Scotophis obsoleta	Smooth Softshell	Apalone muticua
Western Fox Snake	Mintonius vulpina	Spiny Softshell	Apalone spinifera
Western Hognose Snake	Heterodon nasicus	Slider	Trachemys scripta
Eastern Hognose Snake	Heterodon platirhinos
Plains Leopard Frog	Lithobates blairi	100 Daily Bag Limit / 100 Possession Limit
Northern Leopard Frog	Lithobates pipiens	100 Daily Bag Limit / 100 Possession Limit
Barred Tiger Salamander	Ambystoma mavortium	100 Daily Bag Limit / 100 Possession Limit
Bull Frog	Lithobates catesbeiana	8 Daily Bag Limit / 16 Possession Limit
Snapping Turtle	Chelydra serpentina	5 Daily Bag Limit / 10 Possession Limit
Common Name	Scientific Classification
Alligators and Caimans	All species in the family Alligatoridae
Crocodiles	All species in the family Crocodylidae
Gharial (gavial)	All species in the family Gavialidae
Bird snake	All species in the genus Thelotornis
Boomslang	Dispholidus typus
Keelbacks	All species in the genus Rhabdophis
Burrowing Asps	All species in the family Atractaspidae
Coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mambas and Australian elapids	All species in the family Elapidae, except species in the subfamily Hydrophiinae
Pit vipers and true vipers, except species indigenous to this State	All species in the family Viperidae, except species indigenous to this State
Snapping Turtles	All species in the family Chelydridae
Common Name	Scientific Classification
Clawed frogs	All species in the genus Xenopus
Giant or marine toads	Bufo horribilis, Bufo marinus and Bufo paracnemis
	PERMITTEE CATEGORY	SPECIES	SCIENTIFIC NAME

Amphibians	1,5	American Toad	Anaxyrus americanus
	5	Fowler’s toad	Anaxyrus fowleri
	1,5	Gray treefrog	Hyla versicolor
	1,5	Spring peeper	Pseudacris crucifer
	1,5	American bullfrog	Lithobates catesbeiana
	1,5	Green frog	Lithobates clamitans
	1,5	Pickerel frog	Lithobates palustris
	5	Northern leopard frog	Lithobates pipiens
	1,5	Mink frog	Lithobates septentrionalis
	1,5	Wood frog	Lithobates sylvatica
	5	Jefferson salamander	Ambystoma jeffesonianum
	5	Blue-spotted salamander	Ambystoma laterale
	5	Jefferson X blue-spotted salamander hybrids	Ambystoma jeffersonianum X laterale
	1,5	Spotted salamander	Ambystoma maculatum
	5	Marbled salamander	Ambystoma opacum
	1,5	Northern two-lined salamander	Eurycea bislineata
	1,5	Northern dusky salamander	Desmognathus fuscus
	5	Spring salamander	Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
	5	Four-toed salamander	Hemidactylium scutatum
	1,5	Eastern red-backed salamander	Plethodon cinereus
	5	Northern slimy salamander	Plethodon glutinosus
	5	Common mudpuppy	Necturus maculosus
	1,5	Red-spotted Newt	Notophthalmus viridescens
Reptiles
	5	Alligator	Alligatoridae, spp
	5	Crocodile	Crocodylidae, spp
	5	All venomous reptiles
	5	Blanding’s turtles	Emydoidea blandingii
	5	Eastern box turtles	Terrapene carolina carolina
	5	Spotted turtles	Clemys guttata
	5	Wood turtles	Gleptemys insculpta
	1,5	Musk turtle	Sternotherus odoratus
	1,5	Painted turtle	Chrysemys picta
	1,5	Snapping turtle	Chelydra serpentina
	5	Black racer	Coluber constrictor
	1,5	Ring-necked snake	Diadophis punctatus
	5	Eastern hognose snake	Heterodon platyrhinos
	1,5	Eastern milksnake	Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum
	1,5	Northern watersnake	Nerodia sipedon
	5	Smooth greensnake	Opheodrys vernalis
	1,5	Brown snake	Storeria dekayi
	1,5	Red-bellied snake	Storeria occipitomaculata
	5	Ribbon snake	Thamnophis sauritus
	1,5	Garter snake	Thamnophis sirtalis

Controlled Species Table – Possession

	PERMITTEE CATEGORY	SPECIES	SCIENTIFIC NAME

Amphibians	1,5	American Toad	Anaxyrus americanus
	5	Fowler’s toad	Bufo fowleri
	1,5	Gray treefrog	Hyla versicolor
	1,5	Spring peeper	Pseudacris crucifer
	1,5	American bullfrog	Rana catesbeiana
	1,5	Green frog	Rana clamitans
	1,5	Pickerel frog	Rana palustris
	5	Northern leopard frog	Rana pipiens
	1,5	Mink frog	Rana septentrionalis
	1,5	Wood frog	Rana sylvatica
	5	Jefferson salamander	Ambystoma jeffersonianum
	5	Blue-spotted salamander	Ambystoma laterale
	5	Jefferson X blue-spotted salamander hybrids	Ambystoma jeffersonianum X laterale
	1,5	Spotted salamander	Ambystoma maculatum
	5	Marbled salamander	Ambystoma opacum
	1,5	Northern two-lined salamander	Eurycea bislineata
	1,5	Northern dusky salamander	Desmognathus fuscus
	5	Spring salamander	Gyrinophilus porphyriticus
	5	Four-toed salamander	Hemidactylium scutatum
	1,5	Eastern red-backed salamander	Plethodon cinereus
	5	Common Mudpuppy	Necturus maculosus
	1,5	Red-spotted newt	Notophthalmus viridescens
Reptiles	5	Alligator	Alligatoridae, spp
	5	Crocodile	Crocodylidae, spp
	5	All venomous reptiles
	5	Blanding’s turtles	Emydoidea blandingii
	5	Eastern box turtles	Terrapene carolina carolina
	5	Spotted turtles	Clemmys guttata
	5	Wood turtles	Glyptemys insculpta
	1,5	Musk turtle	Sternotherus odoratus
	1,5	Painted turtle	Chrysemys picta
	1,5	Snapping turtle	Chelydra serpentina
	5	Black racer	Coluber constrictor
	1,5	Ring-necked snake	Diadophis punctatus
	5	Eastern hognose snake	Heterodon platirhinos
	1,5	Eastern milksnake	Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum
	1,5	Northern watersnake	Nerodia sipedon
	5	Smooth greensnake	Opheodrys vernalis
	1,5	Brown snake	Storeria dekayi
	1,5	Red-bellied snake	Storeria occipitomaculata
	5	Ribbon snake	Thamnophis sauritus
	1,5	Garter snake	Thamnophis sirtalis

PART Fis 805 RELEASE OF WILDLIFE

No person shall be issued a permit to release wildlife designated as prohibited in Fis 805.01(b).

For purposes of this part, the following species or groups of wildlife shall be designated as prohibited:

1. - - The following invertebrates:
      - All indigenous imported into the state; and
      - All exotics;
    - The following amphibians:
      - All indigenous imported into the state; and
      - All exotics;
    - The following reptiles:
      - All indigenous imported into the state; and
      - All exotics;

PART Fis 810 EXHIBITION

1. - 1. A permit to exhibit wildlife shall be required for any person offering wildlife for exhibition to the public pursuant to RSA 207:14. This permit shall allow wildlife to be viewed by the public while the wildlife are restricted to an enclosure.
    2. There shall be no human contact with the wildlife except by the permittee except as specified in (c). (fallow deer and reindeer)
    3. The permittee shall safe guard the public from exhibited wildlife.
    4. Applicants for permit to exhibit venomous reptiles shall demonstrate that they have 1,000 hours of practical experience in the handling and possession of venomous species.
    5. No permanent exhibition of live wildlife shall be located within 100 feet from the center line of any highway, road or street.
    6. Permits to exhibit shall expire on December 31 of the calendar year of issuance unless sooner revoked.
    7. A permit to exhibit shall be valid only for the fixed or mobile facility described in the application and the permit shall not be transferable or assignable.
    8. If applicable, the permittee shall possess all of the required federal permits and comply with all the laws and rules set forth by such permit for wildlife regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture and the USFWS. Possession of a federal permit shall not allow the possession of species that are prohibited by the state of New Hampshire.
    9. The permittee shall provide at all times the necessary protection to the wildlife to ensure its well being while in the public view and shall also conform with all requirements of this part.
    10. The permittee or the permittee’s designee shall be present at the location where the wildlife is being exhibited.
    11. If the exhibition of wildlife is mobile or transitory in nature, the permittee shall provide, at least 48 hours in advance, a list of exhibition dates and locations in the state. A copy or fax of the itinerary required by the USDA which includes all exhibition dates and location in and out of state may be faxed or mailed to the department in lieu of making up a new list for instate locations only.
    12. Exhibitions, enclosures or cages not regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture shall conform to the pertinent enclosure or caging requirements for wildlife under Part Fis 804.
    13. A person with a permit to exhibit wildlife shall allow the executive director or the executive director’s agents to inspect the enclosures, cages, exhibition facilities, wildlife and all pertinent reports to ensure compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Such inspection shall be undertaken at a reasonable time.
    14. No exhibitor shall import, acquire or add any new wildlife if the exhibitor is in direct non-compliance pursuant to USDA regulations or is not in compliance with the fish and game rules.
    15. Direct non-compliance means that the wildlife is being handled in such a way as to be a risk to the animal or the public and includes, but is not limited to:
      - Unsafe shelter or enclosure;
      - Potential for escape exists;
      - Wildlife in immediate need of veterinary care;
      - Spoiled food or other nutritional issues; and
      - Improper ventilation for indoor housing.
    16. Exhibitors of venomous reptiles shall provide the department and their local EMS provider with an emergency procedures protocol to be followed in the event of a bite inflicted by a venomous reptile to include contact information for the source of anti-venom for each species in possession.
    17. Exhibitors of venomous reptiles shall provide written documentation of membership in an approved venom bank.
    18. Exhibitors of venomous reptiles shall micro-chip, for identification purposes, any specimens listed on the state’s threatened or endangered species list pursuant to Fis 1001.01(a) and Fis 1002.02(a).
    19. Exhibitors of venomous reptiles shall notify the department within 48 hours of any changes in inventory of venomous reptiles as a result of acquisition, reproduction and mortality.
    20. Specimens of reptiles listed in the threatened or endangered species list and in the possession of a permitted exhibitor shall not be sold or given away and shall be kept in compliance with RSA 212-A.

PART Fis 811 SALE OF WILDLIFE

1. - 1. No person shall sell spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata), Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) or Eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina).
    2. No person shall sell indigenous species of reptiles or amphibians listed in Table 800.2, including parts or eggs thereof, except:
      1. Non-living snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) and bull frogs (Rana catesbeiana) raised outside the state which may be possessed, bought and sold for use as food provided that with each package there shall be a bill of sale bearing the species, the weight of the package and the place of origin; and
      2. Non living amphibians and reptiles listed in Table 800.2 for category one obtained outside the state to be used for educational purposes.

New Jersey

New Jersey herp laws fall under SUBCHAPTER 4. ENDANGERED, NONGAME, AND EXOTIC WILDLIFE

Permits can be found at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/exotic-and-nongame-wildlife-permit-applications/. For further information or clarification call the Exotic and Nongame Permits Office at 609-292-9591 or e-mail NJWildlifePermits@dep.nj.gov.

Exotic species and nongame species requiring a permit for possession

1. - - Reptiles
      - Pythons – Family Pythonidae;
      - Rat Snakes – Elaphe spp.;
      - Bosas – Family Boidae (other than Boa Constrictors);
      - King Snakes – Lampropeltis spp.;
      - Raceer – Coluber spp.;
      - Ringneck Snakes – Diadophis punctatus;
      - Green Snakes – Opheodrys spp.;
      - Collared Lizard – Crotaphytus collaris;
      - Monitor – Varanus spp.;
      - Skinks – Family Scincidae;
      - Ameiva – Ameiva spp.;
      - Chuckwalla – Sauromalus obesus;
      - Alligator Lizard – Gerrhonitus spp.;
      - Geckos family – Gekkonidae other than Tokay Gecko;
      - Armadillo Lizard – Cordylus cataphractus;
    - The Dept. may issue a permit for the possession of the above exotic mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians or nongame species provided the applicant has satisfactorily met the criteria contained within N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.7

The following listed species of exotic or nongame mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians may be possessed in NJ without a permit

1. - - Reptiles
      - American anole – Anolis carolinensis;
      - Common iguana – Iguana iguana;
      - Boa Constrictor – Constrictor constrictor;
      - Eastern painted turtles – Chrysemys picta picta;
      - Snapping turtles – Chelydra serpentina;
      - Fence lizard – Sceloporus occidentalis & undulatus;
      - Garter snake – Thamnophia spp. (except T. sirtalis tetrataenia);
      - Tokay gecko – Gekko gecko;
      - Ribbon snake – Thamnophis spp. (except T. sirtalis tetrataenia).
    - Amphibians
      - Leopard frogs – Rana pipiens;
      - Green frogs – Rana clamitans;
      - American toad – Bufo woodhousei americana;
      - Fowlers toad – B.w. fowleri;
      - Bullfrogs – Rana catesbiana;
      - Red Newts – Notophthalmus viridescens;
      - Dusky salamanders – Desmognathus fuscus;
    - Such exotic or nongame mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians must be housed or caged in such a manner as to prevent liberation

Potentially Dangerous Species – defined as any exotic mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians, or nongame species which, in the opinion of the Division, is capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries or which has the potential to become an agricultural pest, or a menace to the public health, or indigenous wildlife populations, including but not limited to the following:

1. - - Gila Monsters – Helodermatidae
    - Coral Snakes & Cobras – Elapidae
    - Viperidae – Vipers
    - Croatlidae – Pit Vipers
    - Alligators & Caiman – Allligatoridae
    - Crocodiles – Crocodylidae
    - Gavials – Gavialidae
    - The Department, at its discretion, may issue a permit for possession of a potentially dangerous species only after a clear showing that the criteria for the possession of such potentially dangerous species have been met.

CRITERIA FOR THE POSSESSION OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SPECIES

1. - - Education and Background: Persons wishing to apply for a permit to possess a potentially dangerous species must have extensive experience in maintaining the species desired or related species.
    - Knowledge: Persons wishing to apply for a permit to possess potentially dangerous species must demonstrate a working knowledge and expertise in handling and caring for each of the species desired.
    - Protection of the Public: The housing facilities shall also be constructed to prevent public access to and contact with the animal. The potentially dangerous species shall not be kept as a pet, for hobby purposes or in situations, which, in the judgment of the Department, could adversely affect the health of the animal or which could constitute a hazard to the public.
    - Purpose and Intent: Persons applying to possess potentially dangerous species must submit a written statement of the purpose and intent of keeping the species.
    - Housing and Feeding: Persons applying for a permit to possess a potentially dangerous species must supply a written description of the housing and caging facilities for the species required. A summary must be submitted of a continuous source of food for the specific diet of the animals. Division personnel may inspect the completed facilities to determine if the facilities are suitable for the animal. Facilities must be constructed to prevent the possible escape of the animal.
    - Other Restrictions: Under no circumstances shall a person issued a pet shop or animal dealer permit possess any potentially dangerous species on the commercial premises, except in emergencies and for a limited period of time as stipulated by the Department in writing and subsequently agreed to by the animal dealer or pet shop owner, who shall assume full responsibility for the safety and welfare of both the animal and the public during its temporary storage. A potentially dangerous animal already on display at the premises of a pet shop or animal dealer and already under a permit for such display as of January 17, 1995 may remain so displayed under the terms and conditions of that permit for the lifetime of that animal.

New Mexico

Ban: crocodilians
PERMIT required for live possession and sale of all wild and captive-bred protected species, native reptiles, and amphibians

Educational Use Permit (wildlife educational programs)
BANS public contact except herps under permit and BANS displaying tame animals or those that look like pets
Need 12 programs/year or static exhibit open 100 days/year
BANS take, possession, transport, export, process, sale and shipment of state endangered species and federal native and foreign endangered species.

PERMIT issued for scientific, zoological or educational purposes, propagation in captivity or to protect private property
EXEMPT: native American religious purposes

1. - - Reptiles:
      - Gila monster
      - sand dune lizard
      - gray-checkered whiptail
      - gray-banded kingsnake
      - Mexican gartersnake
      - plain-bellied water snake
      - (New Mexico) ridgenosed rattlesnake
    - Amphibians:
      - Jemez mountains salamander
      - lowland leopard frog
      - boreal toad
      - Great Plains narrow-mouthed toad

Threatened

1. - - Reptiles:
      - western river cooter
      - Slevin’s bunch grass lizard
      - canyon spotted whiptail
      - mountain skink
      - green ratsnake
      - narrow-headed gartersnake
      - western ribbonsnake
      - (mottled) rock rattlesnake
    - Amphibians:
      - Sacramento mountain salamander
      - Sonoran desert toad

New York

“Wild animal” shall not include “companion animal” (“Companion animal” or “pet” means any dog or cat, and shall also mean any other domesticated animal normally maintained in or near the household of the owner or person who cares for such other domesticated animal. “Pet” or “companion animal” shall not include a “farm animal” as defined in this section.) as defined in section three hundred fifty of the agriculture and markets law.

Wild animal includes, and is limited to, any or all of the following orders and families:
All reptiles that are venomous by nature, pursuant to department regulation, and the following species and orders:

1. - - - Burmese Python (Python m. bivittatus),
      - Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus),
      - African Rock Python (Python sabae),
      - Green Anaconda (Eunectes maurinus),
      - Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus),
      - Australian Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistina and Morelia kinghorni),
      - Indian Python (Python molurus),
      - Asiatic (water) Monitor ( Varanus salvator),
      - Nile Monitor ( Varanus nilocitus),
      - White Throat Monitor ( Varanus albigularis),
      - Black Throat Monitor ( Varanus albigularis ionides) and Crocodile Monitor ( Varanus salvadori),
      - Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodensis) and any hybrid thereof…
      - Plus Crocodylia

Must have an invasive species permit through NYS environmental conservation to keep an African Clawed Frog Xenopus laevis

§ 11-0511. Possession and transportation of wildlife.

Subject to the provisions of section 11-0512 of this article, no person shall, except under a license or permit first obtained from the department containing the prominent warning notice specified in subdivision nine of section 11-0917 of this article, possess, transport or cause to be transported, imported or exported any live … venomous reptile, endangered species designated pursuant to section 11-0535 of this title, species named in section 11-0536 of this title or other species of native or non-native live wildlife or fish where the department finds that possession, transportation, importation or exportation of such species of wildlife or fish would present a danger to the health or welfare of the people of the state, an individual resident or indigenous fish or wildlife population. Environmental conservation officers, forest rangers and members of the state police may seize every such animal possessed without such license or permit. No action for damages shall lie for such seizure, and disposition of seized animals shall be at the discretion of the department.

§ 11-0512. Possession, sale, barter, transfer, exchange and import of wild animals as pets prohibited

It shall be prohibited for any person to:

1. - - 1. knowingly possess, harbor, sell, barter, transfer, exchange or import any wild animal for use as a pet in New York state, except as provided in subdivision three of this section; or
      2. intentionally release or set at-large any wild animal, authorized by this section for use as a pet, from the location where the animal is permitted to be possessed or harbored.
      3. This section shall not apply to the following persons and entities with respect to wild animals owned or harbored by them solely for a purpose other than for use as a pet:
        
        Zoological facilities licensed pursuant to 7 USC. Sec. 2131 et seq.;
        
        Exhibitors licensed pursuant to the Animal Welfare Act, 7 USC. Sections 2132-2134 and reptile exhibitors who have demonstrated to the department, in accordance with regulations promulgated by the commissioner, that the sole purpose for which the wild animal or animals are used is for exhibition to the public for profit or compensation;
        
        Research facilities as defined in the Animal Welfare Act, 7 USC. Section 2132 (e), which are licensed by the United States Secretary of Agriculture;
        
        Licensed veterinarians and incorporated humane societies, animal shelters, societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals or animal welfare organizations in temporary possession of wild animals;
        
        State universities, private colleges or universities, or state agencies working with wild animals;
        
        Wildlife rehabilitators licensed pursuant to the provisions of subdivision three of section 11-0515 of this title and regulations promulgated thereunder, who are tending to sick or injured wild animals;
        
        A person having custody of a wild animal solely for the purpose of transporting it to a licensed veterinarian, wildlife rehabilitator, humane society or other entity authorized by this section to handle or treat wild animals;
        
        A wildlife sanctuary as defined in subdivision thirty-two of section 11-0103 of this article;
        
        A person who is not a resident of this state who is in the state only for the purpose of travelling between locations outside the state. In no event shall this time period exceed ten days;
        
        A person who is paralyzed from the neck down who possesses a new world monkey trained to perform tasks for its owner by an organization described in section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 19861 and dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons paralyzed from the neck down.
      4. Any person who possesses or harbors a wild animal for use as a pet at the time that this section takes effect may retain possession of such animal for the remainder of its life, provided that such person:
        
        Has not been convicted of any offense relating to cruelty to animals or under a judicial order prohibiting possession of animals;
        
        Applies to the department within six months of the effective date of this section, and obtains from the department, a license pursuant to subdivision four of this section;
        
        Complies with all applicable federal, state, or local laws, including any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted by a local board of health, or any rules and regulations established by the department as requisites for ownership of such wild animal; and
        
        Reports a release to the local police department and animal control immediately upon discovery of the release. Each escape during a twelve month period of time will subject the possessor to penalties by the department pursuant to subdivisions eight and nine of this section.
      5. The department shall be required to issue licenses authorizing possession of wild animals only to those persons who comply with the provisions of subdivision three of this section and with any regulations promulgated by the department thereunder. Such licenses shall be valid in any jurisdiction within the state where possession of a wild animal is not prohibited by local law or ordinance, rule or regulation adopted by a local board of health, and shall be renewable biennially during the life of the animal subject to continued compliance with the provisions of this section and with any regulations promulgated thereunder. The department shall forward copies of such licenses to the clerk of the city, town or village in which each wild animal is harbored.
      6. License applications shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
        
        The name, address and telephone number of the person who owns, possesses or harbors the wild animal or animals, including an acknowledgment that the person who owns, possesses or harbors the wild animal or animals is twenty-one years of age or older.
        
        The address of the location where the wild animal or animals will be kept, if different from the above.
        
        A detailed description of each wild animal owned, possessed or harbored, including species, gender, age, any identifying characteristics, and an identification tag or tattoo if required by the department, with proof, acceptable to the department, that each such wild animal was acquired prior to the effective date of this section.
        
        The name, address and telephone number of the veterinarian, who has agreed to treat the wild animal.
        
        An acknowledgment indicating that the wild animal or animals will not be bred.
        
        A detailed certification establishing that the location in which the wild animal will be kept complies with all appropriate standards of care and at minimum complies with the standards for animal care set forth in the Federal Animal Welfare Act and other applicable federal, state and local standards, including, but not limited to housing, temperature, ventilation, drainage, sanitation, food, water, exercise and veterinary care appropriate to the species and sufficient to maintain the wild animal in good health.
        
        An acknowledgment that the wild animal will not be tied, tethered, or chained outdoors, allowed to run at large and that the wild animal will not be brought to any public park or commercial or retail establishment unless it is being brought to a veterinarian or veterinary clinic.
        
        An acknowledgment that possession, harboring or owning such wild animal does not violate any applicable federal, state or local law, including any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted by a local board of health.
      7. The department shall set biennial license fees for the possession of wild animals pursuant to subdivision three of this section in an amount determined to be reasonable but not more than one hundred seventy-five dollars for two years for each wild animal. License fees shall be used solely for the implementation and enforcement of this section.
      8. The provisions of the state administrative procedure act shall apply to the denial or revocation of a license.
      9. Any person in possession of a wild animal as a pet that has been granted a license pursuant to subdivision four of this section shall not breed, or sell, trade, barter or exchange such wild animal.
      10. A person possessing, owning or harboring a wild animal who is denied a license pursuant to subdivision four of this section, or whose license is revoked, shall surrender such wild animal to the department or an authorized agent thereof at a location designated by the department for such surrender or a police or peace officer of this state, a local animal control officer, or a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or provide proof that the animal has been humanely euthanized according to American Veterinary Medical Association standards by a licensed veterinarian.
      11. The department, any police or peace officer of this state, a local animal control officer, or a duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to animals is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this section and issue notices of violation to persons in violation of this section, and shall have the authority to seize any wild animal held in violation of this section. A county society for the prevention of cruelty to animals must obtain a warrant before seizing a wild animal or arresting a person who owns or possesses a wild animal under this section. Wild animals seized or surrendered pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be transferred to a duly incorporated wildlife sanctuary as defined in this section, or a zoological facility, or shall be humanely euthanized. Any costs associated with seizing, transferring, recapturing or euthanizing a wild animal shall be borne by the person who owned, harbored or possessed the animal. The department shall also have the authority to seek injunctive relief in any court of appropriate jurisdiction to prevent continued violations of this section.
      12. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any person who knowingly breeds a wild animal or knowingly possesses, owns, harbors, sells, barters, transfers, exchanges, or imports a wild animal for use as a pet or intentionally releases or sets at-large any wild animal, authorized by this section for use as a pet, from the location where the animal is permitted to be possessed or harbored in violation of the provisions of this section shall be subject to a penalty of not more than five hundred dollars for the first offense and not more than one thousand dollars for a second and subsequent offenses. Each instance of breeding, owning, harboring, sale, barter, release, transfer, exchange, or import of a wild animal in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.
      13. Nothing contained in this section shall prevent any city, town or county from enacting more restrictive provisions governing the possession of wild animals for use as pets.

For New York City only
Animals not allowed to be kept as pets within city limits

1. - - - Tarantulas, black widows, and other venomous spiders
      - Iguanas, gila monsters, and many other lizards
      - Vipers, cobras, pythons, anacondas, and many other snakes
      - Alligators, crocodiles, snapping turtles, and other turtles less than four inches in length
      - Bees (other than honeybees), hornets, wasps, and other venomous insects

North Carolina

Amphibian and Reptile Possession Permit

An Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit is required for the possession, importation, transportation, purchase and sale of 25 or more individuals of any combination of native amphibians and/or five or more individuals of any combination of native reptiles. An Amphibian and Reptile Possession for Rehabilitation permit authorizes the possession of injured, crippled, or orphaned, native reptiles and/or amphibians, for the purpose of providing short term care and eventual release back into the animal’s natural habitat.

Permit Restrictions, Rules and Conditions

It is unlawful for any individual to import, transport, export, purchase, possess, or sell any species of Tongueless or African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus spp.), Brown Anoles (Anolis sagrei), Cuban Tree Frogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis), Red-eared Sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), Asian Newts (Cynops, Pachytriton, Paramesotriton, Laotriton, Tylititriton), Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae or Tupinambis merianae), Greenhouse Frog (Eleutherodactlyus planirostris) unless the individual has a Restricted Species Permit authorizing such activity issued by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

15A NCAC 10B .0123 LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN EXOTIC SPECIES

Endangered Species Permit

An Endangered Species Permit is required in order to take or possess any State or Federally listed endangered, threatened, or special concern species for scientific, educational, exhibition, or other purposes.

1. - - - Carolina Gopher Frog
      - River Frog
      - Mountain Chorus Frog
      - Ornate Chorus Frog
      - Cope’s and Northern Gray Treefrog
      - Eastern Hellbender
      - Mudpuppy
      - Neuse River Waterdog
      - Eastern Tiger Salamander
      - Mabee’s Salamander
      - Mole Salamander
      - Dwarf Salamanders
      - Four-Toed Salamander
      - Green Salamander
      - Junaluska Salamander
      - Long-tailed Salamander
      - Southern Zigzag Salamander
      - Wehrle’s Salamander
      - Weller’s Salamander
      - Pine Snake
      - Southern Hognose Snake
      - Carolina Swamp Snake
      - Eastern Coral Snake
      - Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
      - Pygmy Rattlesnake
      - Timber Rattlesnake
      - Bog Turtle
      - Eastern Chicken Turtle
      - Diamondback Terrapin
      - Eastern Spiny Softshell
      - Stripe-Necked Turtle
      - Atlantic Hawksbill
      - Green Sea Turtle
      - Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
      - Leatherback Sea Turtle
      - Loggerhead

Chapter 14 Article 55 Regulation of Certain Reptiles

1. - - - Mishandling of certain reptiles declared public nuisance and criminal offense.
        
        The intentional or negligent exposure of other human beings to unsafe contact with venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes, or crocodilians is essentially dangerous and injurious and detrimental to public health, safety and welfare, and is therefore declared to be a public nuisance and a criminal offense, to be abated and punished as provided in this Article.
      - Regulation of ownership or use of venomous reptiles.
        
        It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, use, transport, or traffic in any venomous reptile that is not housed in a sturdy and secure enclosure. Enclosures shall be designed to be escape-proof, bite-proof, and have an operable lock.
        
        Each enclosure shall be clearly and visibly labeled “Venomous Reptile Inside” with scientific name, common name, appropriate antivenin, and owner’s identifying information noted on the container. A written bite protocol that includes emergency contact information, local animal control office, the name and location of suitable antivenin, first aid procedures, and treatment guidelines, as well as an escape recovery plan must be within sight of permanent housing, and a copy must accompany the transport of any venomous reptile.
        
        In the event of an escape of a venomous reptile, the owner or possessor of the venomous reptile shall immediately notify local law enforcement.
      - Regulation of ownership or use of large constricting snakes.
        
        As used in this Article, large constricting snakes shall mean: Reticulated Python, Python reticulatus; Burmese Python, Python molurus; African Rock Python, Python sebae; Amethystine Python, Morelia amethistina; and Green Anaconda, Eunectes murinus; or any of their subspecies or hybrids.
        
        It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, use, transport, or traffic in any of the large constricting snakes that are not housed in a sturdy and secure enclosure. Enclosures shall be designed to be escape-proof and shall have an operable lock.
        
        Each enclosure shall be labeled clearly and visibly with the scientific name, common name, number of specimens, and owner’s identifying information. A written safety protocol and escape recovery plan shall be within sight of permanent housing, and a copy shall accompany the transport of any of the large constricting snakes. The safety protocol shall include emergency contact information, identification of the local animal control office, and first aid procedures.
        
        In the event of an escape of a large constricting snake, the owner or possessor shall immediately notify local law enforcement.
      - Regulation of ownership or use of crocodilians.
        
        All crocodilians, excluding the American alligator, shall be regulated under this Article. It shall be unlawful for any person to own, possess, use, transport, or traffic in any crocodilian that is not housed in a sturdy and secure enclosure. Permanent enclosures shall be designed to be escape-proof and have a fence of sufficient strength to prevent contact between an observer and the crocodilian and shall have an operable lock. Transport containers shall be designed to be escape-proof and shall be locked.
        
        A written safety protocol and escape recovery plan shall be within sight of permanent housing, and a copy must accompany the transport of any crocodilian.
        
        In the event of the escape of a crocodilian, the owner or possessor shall immediately notify local law enforcement.
      - Prohibited handling of reptiles or suggesting or inducing others to handle.
        
        It shall be unlawful for any person to handle any reptile regulated under this Article in a manner that intentionally or negligently exposes another person to unsafe contact with the reptile.
        
        It shall be unlawful for any person to intentionally or negligently suggest, entice, invite, challenge, intimidate, exhort or otherwise induce or aid any person to handle or expose himself in an unsafe manner to any reptile regulated under this Article.
        
        Safe and responsible handling of reptiles for purposes of animal husbandry, exhibition, training, transport, and education is permitted under this section.
      - Investigation of suspected violations; seizure and examination of reptiles; disposition of reptiles.
        
        In any case in which a law-enforcement officer or animal control officer has probable cause to believe that any of the provisions of this Article have been or are about to be violated, the officer is authorized and empowered to immediately investigate the violation or impending violation and to consult with representatives of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences or the North Carolina Zoological Park or a designated representative of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to identify the species, assist with determining interim disposition, and recommend appropriate and safe methods to handle and seize the reptile or reptiles involved. In the case of escape, or if an officer, with probable cause to believe that reptile is being owned, possessed, used, transported, or trafficked in violation of this Article, determines that there is an immediate risk to officer safety or public safety, the officer shall not be required to consult with representatives as provided by this subsection and may kill the reptile.
        
        If, based on available information, the officer, the Museum, the Zoological Park or a designated representative of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources finds that a seized reptile is a venomous reptile, large constricting snake, or crocodilian regulated under this Article, the Museum or the Zoological Park or a designated representative of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources shall assist the officer with determining an interim disposition of the reptile in a manner consistent with the safety of the public, until a final disposition is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction. In the case of a venomous reptile for which antivenin approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration is not readily available, the reptile may be euthanized unless the species is protected under the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Where euthanasia is determined to be the appropriate interim disposition, or where a reptile seized pursuant to this Article dies of natural or unintended causes, the parties involved shall not be liable to the reptile’s owner.
        
        Upon conviction of any offense contained in this Article, the court shall order a final disposition of the confiscated venomous reptiles, large constricting snakes, or crocodilians, which may include the transfer of title to the State of North Carolina and shall include reimbursement by the owner for the expenses incurred in the seizure, delivery, and storage thereof.
        
        If the reptile is not a venomous reptile, large constricting snake, or crocodilian regulated under this Article, and either no criminal citations, warrants, or indictments are initiated against the owner in connection with the reptile within 10 days of initial seizure, or a court of law determines that the reptile is not being owned, possessed, used, transported, or trafficked in violation of this Article, then it shall be the duty of the law enforcement officer to return the reptile or reptiles to the person from whom they were seized within 15 days of the seizure.
      - Exemptions from provisions of Article.
        
        This Article shall not apply to the possession, exhibition, or handling of reptiles by employees or agents of duly constituted veterinarians, zoos, serpentariums, museums, laboratories, educational or scientific institutions, public and private, in the course of their educational or scientific work, or Wildlife Damage Control Agents in the course of the work for which they are approved by the Wildlife Resources Commission.
      - Criminal penalties and civil remedies for violation.
        
        Any person violating any of the provisions of this Article shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
        
        If any person, other than the owner of a venomous reptile, large constricting snake, or crocodilian, the owner’s agent, employee, or a member of the owner’s immediate family, suffers a life threatening injury or is killed as the result of a violation of this Article, the owner of the reptile shall be guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor. This subsection shall not apply to violations that result from incidents that could not have been prevented or avoided by the owner’s exercise of due care or foresight, such as natural disasters or other acts of God, or in the case of thefts of the reptile from the owner.
        
        Any person intentionally releasing into the wild a nonnative venomous reptile, a large constricting snake, or a crocodilian shall be guilty of a Class A1 misdemeanor.
        
        Violations of this Article as set forth in subsections (b) or (c) of this section shall constitute wanton conduct within the meaning of G.S. 1D-5(7) and subject the violator to punitive damages in any civil action that may be filed as a result of the violator’s actions.

North Dakota

North Dakota Administrative Code. Title 48.1. State Board of Animal Health. Article 48.1-09. Nontraditional Livestock. Chapter 48.1-09-06. Category 3 Species. 48.1-09-06-01. Housing, handling, health, and importation requirements.

Venomous reptiles and nonvenomous injurious reptiles.

A license to possess a venomous reptile may only be issued if the applicant seeking the nontraditional livestock license demonstrates an educational purpose for and the ability to appropriately house, feed, care for, handle, and, if necessary, dispose of the reptile. An educational purpose includes research and displays at schools, institutions of higher education, wildlife preserves, zoos, and other bona fide educational displays approved by the state veterinarian.
A license to possess a nonvenomous injurious reptile may only be issued if the applicant seeking the nontraditional livestock license demonstrates the ability to appropriately house, feed, care for, handle, and, if necessary, dispose of the reptile.
The permittee shall provide documentation to the state veterinarian of the permittee’s experience with these types of animals and the permittee’s ability to safely maintain and control the animals.
Importation for venomous reptiles or nonvenomous injurious reptiles requires a certificate of veterinary inspection and importation permit from the board.
Premises where venomous reptiles are kept on display to the public must be posted with a notice clearly and conspicuously posted to provide the location of the nearest, most readily available source of appropriate antivenin and a written plan of action in the event of a venomous reptile bite.
- This plan of action must receive the written approval of a local medical facility, and a copy of the plan of action and the approval of the medical facility must be provided to the board.
- The person possessing the venomous reptile shall arrange for appropriate antivenin to be readily available through a local hospital, the name, address, and telephone number of which must be affixed to the enclosure.
Written animal escape emergency procedures must be clearly and conspicuously posted in the building housing venomous reptiles or nonvenomous injurious reptiles and must be supplied to the board at the time the permit application is initially submitted.
Written notice of the presence on the premises of venomous or nonvenomous injurious reptiles must be provided to the local police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, including an identification of the animals possessed and the location of the animals within the premises.
If a venomous or nonvenomous injurious reptile is transported or removed from its primary enclosure for feeding or in order to clean the enclosure, the reptile must be kept in a fully enclosed container with a secure and locked lid which has air holes or other means of ventilation.
Snake hooks must be present for caring for venomous snakes.
The permittee shall telephonically notify the board of any reptile bite on humans or escapes of any reptiles within twenty-four hours and provide a written report of the incident to the board within seven days.

Housing requirements for venomous reptiles:

An enclosure or container containing venomous reptiles must be clearly labeled as “Venomous” and be labeled with the common and scientific name of the species as well as the number of animals contained inside.
Venomous reptiles in captivity must be kept in a cage or in a safety glass enclosure sufficiently strong, and in the case of a cage, of small enough mesh to prevent the animal’s escape and with double walls sufficient to prevent penetration of fangs to the outside. All enclosures and access to them must be locked.

Housing requirements for nonvenomous injurious reptiles:

An enclosure or container containing nonvenomous injurious reptiles must be clearly labeled with safety concerns and be labeled with the common and scientific name of the species as well as the number of animals contained inside.
Nonvenomous injurious reptiles in captivity must be kept in a cage or in a safety glass enclosure sufficiently strong, and in the case of a cage, of small enough mesh to prevent the animal’s escape. All enclosures and access to them must be locked.

Ohio

As per the Ohio DNR website:

A Noncommercial Propagating License costs $25 and is required for people who permanently possess native reptiles, amphibians, game birds, game quadrupeds, or fur-bearing animals but do not intend to sell, offer for sale, trade or barter animals. The license holder is limited to a total of four individuals of each species of collectible reptiles or amphibians have been taken from the wild. See OAC 1501:31-1-02 for a current list of collectible species.

Animals from the wild (including injured, orphaned, or abandoned wild animals) are NEVER eligible to be kept by an individual in Ohio. Permits are only issued for captive-bred animals obtained from a legally licensed source. Any injured, orphaned, or abandoned animals must be brought to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator for rehabilitation. Caring for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife beyond the time necessary to transport the animal to a permitted rehabilitator is against the law.

Wild-Captured Native Reptiles and Amphibians

With a propagating license, an Ohio resident may possess the following:

- Wild animals captively produced or legally obtained from out of state, with proper documentation;
- Up to four total individuals of each wild-captured native reptile or amphibian from the “Wild-captured Native Reptiles and Amphibians” list below.

Only Ohio residents may possess a total of four individuals from any of the following reptile or amphibian species or any hybrids taken from the wild. Residents over the age of 18 must have a permit to possess these or any Ohio native species.

Turtles:

- - Eastern Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)
  - Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata)
  - Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)
  - Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Lizards and Skinks

- - Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps)
  - Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)
  - Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
  - Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)

Snakes

- - Common Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon)
  - Northern Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi dekayi)
  - Midland Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi wrightorum)
  - Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata)
  - Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
  - Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri)
  - Common Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus)
  - Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
  - Northern Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)
  - Midwestern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus helenae)
  - Eastern Wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus)
  - Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor)
  - Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii)
  - Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides)
  - Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum)

Salamanders:

- - Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus)
  - Red-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens)
  - Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
  - Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum)
  - Smallmouth Salamander (Ambystoma texanum)
  - Streamside Salamander (Ambystoma barbouri)
  - Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum)
  - Eastern Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
  - Northern Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus fuscus)
  - Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus)
  - Eastern Redback Salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
  - Southern Ravine Salamander (Plethodon richmondi)
  - Northern Slimy Salamander (Plethodon glutinosus)
  - Kentucky Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus duryi)
  - Northern Spring Salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus porphyriticus)
  - Midland Mud Salamander (Pseudotriton montanus diastictus)
  - Northern Red Salamander (Pseudotriton ruber ruber)
  - Northern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea bislineata)
  - Longtail Salamander (Eurycea longicauda)
  - Southern Two-lined Salamander (Eurycea cirrigera)

Frogs and Toads:

- - Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer crucifer)
  - Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor)
  - Cope’s Gray Treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis)
  - Western Chorus Frog (Pseudacris triseriata)
  - Mountain Chorus Frog (Pseudacris brachyphona)
  - American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
  - Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans)
  - Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens)
  - Pickerel Frog (Lithobates palustris)
  - Southern Leopard Frog (Lithobates utricularia)
  - Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvatica)
  - Fowler’s Toad (Anaxyrus fowleri)
  - American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus)

State Approved Herpetologists

Oklahoma

No restrictions found in state animal laws – Oklahoma statutes section 4 governs animals

Companion animals” means domesticated animals, such as a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, rodent or turtle, that are traditionally kept in the home for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes, can travel in commercial carriers and be housed in temporary facilities. Companion animals do not include reptiles other than turtles, amphibians, fish, insects, arachnids, farm animals including, but not limited to, horses, animals kept for racing purposes or animals held by a registered research facility under the federal Animal Welfare Act. Feral animals, animals covered by the federal Animal Welfare Act or by regulations issued under that act and any other animals held for use in or used in research are excluded from the Care and Disposition of Disaster Animals Act;

Oregon

The Oregon Department of Agriculture regulates the ownership of the following classes of exotic animals (herps) in Oregon – any Crocodilian

609.205 Prohibitions against keeping of wild or exotic animals. Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS chapters 496, 497 and 498 relating to wildlife, and ORS 609.305 to 609.355 and 609.992 relating to exotic animals, a city or county may prohibit by ordinance the keeping of wildlife, as defined in ORS 496.004, and may prohibit by ordinance the keeping of exotic animals as defined in ORS 609.305

09.312 Seller to provide buyer with informational material. A person who sells an exotic animal must, prior to accepting the offer to purchase, provide the prospective purchaser of the exotic animal with informational material approved by the State Department of Agriculture regarding the care, husbandry, health and nutritional needs of the exotic animal. This section does not allow the sale of an exotic animal to a person located in this state other than an entity described in ORS 609.345

609.325 Conditions for keeping exotic animal. Any person who keeps an exotic animal shall keep the animal under conditions of confinement or control that, given the nature of the animal, would be imposed by a reasonable and prudent keeper to avoid physical or financial risk to the public as a result of escape of the animal or otherwise

609.329 Liability for escape or injury.

- - Costs incurred by any person or city, county or state agency in attempting to remedy the animal’s escape from custody;
  - Personal injury, property damage or similar loss directly or indirectly caused by the animal’s escape from custody, the lack of custody over the animal or efforts to remedy the animal’s escape from custody; and
  - Personal injury directly caused by the animal while in custody.

Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section, if an injury or escape by an exotic animal is in whole or in part the result of a willful unlawful act by a person other than the keeper, the keeper’s liability for damages resulting from the escape or injury is the amount of total damages multiplied by the percentage of fault attributable to the keeper’s negligence

609.335 Department rules regulating keeping of exotic animals; sanctions for rule violations.

- - The State Department of Agriculture shall adopt reasonable rules for issuing permits to keep exotic animals and establishing conditions for keeping the exotic animals. The conditions shall be directed toward ensuring the health, welfare and safety of the exotic animals and, where necessary, the security of facilities in which the exotic animals are kept so as to avoid undue physical or financial risk to the public. The rules shall be no more restrictive upon keepers of exotic animals than is reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of ORS 609.309.
  - The department may revoke a permit upon finding a violation of rules adopted under this section, or the department may issue a finding of violation and a warning to remedy the violation by a specified date

609.341 Permit requirement for keeping of exotic animal; breeding of animal.

- - A person may not keep an exotic animal in this state unless the person possesses a valid State Department of Agriculture permit for that animal issued prior to January 1, 2010, or issued as provided in ORS 609.351.
  - as provided in subsection (4) of this section, a person keeping an exotic animal in this state may not breed that animal.
  - A person may not keep an exotic animal in this state for more than 30 days after the expiration, revocation or suspension of a permit.

609.345 Exceptions to permit requirement.

- - A wildlife rehabilitation center operated under a valid permit issued by the State Fish and Wildlife Commission pursuant to ORS 497.308.
  - A facility operated under a valid license or research facility registration issued by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the federal Animal Welfare Act of 1970 (7 U.S.C. 2133 or 2136).
  - An exotic animal protection organization, including humane societies and animal shelters, incorporated under ORS chapter 65, that houses an exotic animal at the written request of the state or a state agency for a period not to exceed 30 days.
  - A law enforcement agency.
  - A licensed veterinary hospital or clinic.
  - An educational facility that houses a member of the order Crocodylia pursuant to a written request of the state, a local government or a state agency stating the need to house the member of the order Crocodylia at the educational facility.
  - A person or organization that takes in an exotic animal in an emergency situation but that does not otherwise qualify for an exemption under this section. The person or organization may keep the exotic animal for not more than 48 hours during which time the person or organization must make a good faith effort to contact a law enforcement agency, the State Department of Agriculture or a wildlife rehabilitation center described in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

609.351 Issuance and renewal of exotic animal permit; fee.

- - The department may, within one year of January 1, 2010, issue a permit to a person to possess an exotic animal if the person submits satisfactory proof to the department that the person possessed the exotic animal prior to January 1, 2010, and that the person meets requirements of rules adopted by the department under ORS 609.335.
  - The department may charge a fee to issue or renew a permit under this section. The fee may not exceed $100. Each permit or renewal of a permit is valid for two years

All of Chapter 609 covering Exotic Animals can be found here

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission does not regulate the possession of most non-native reptiles and amphibians. Releasing any reptile or amphibian, native or non-native, into the wild is illegal in Pennsylvania. This includes native species, unless they are released at their point of capture within a specific timeframe and under certain conditions. While most non-native reptiles are not regulated, some species may be considered “exotic wildlife” and require a permit for possession. Refer to 58 Pa. Code § 79 for complete information on reptile and amphibian regulations in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations only pertain to native species of PA; please check with local ordinances to make sure you are in compliance.

A permit is required to hunt, take, catch, kill or possess Timber Rattlesnakes and Eastern Copperheads. A valid fishing license is also required for this permit.

The season to hunt both the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Copperhead is from the second Saturday in June to July 31. Both species have an an annual limit of one. The Timber Rattlesnake must be at least 42 inches in length, measured lengthwise along the dorsal surface from the snout to the tail, excluding the rattle, and must possess 21 or more subcaudal scales. There is no size restriction on Eastern Copperheads. Check the Summary Book for further regulations. Within 10 business days following the capture or kill of a Timber Rattlesnake and/or a Eastern Copperhead. If no snake is captured or killed, then 10 days of the conclusion of the season (August 10 of the permit year). Once you take, catch, kill or possess a Timber Rattlesnake, you must immediately complete the possession tag that is attached to your permit and detach the tag from the permit in the field. The possession tag must be kept in a safe location so that it can be presented along with the Timber Rattlesnake to which it pertains upon the request of an officer authorized to enforce the code. A possession tag is not required for Eastern Copperheads.

It is illegal to place into the wild any species that are not native to Pennsylvania. It is also illegal to release any native species of turtles taken from Pennsylvania unless:

- - The turtle is released at the point of capture.
  - The turtle is released within 30 days of capture.
  - The turtle is released between May 1 and September 31.
  - The turtle is in good health.
  - The turtle was not in contact with other reptiles or amphibians while in captivity.

You are allowed to possess one of each native species not listed as threatened/endangered or as a species of concern. Turtle hooks are the only hooks a person is allowed to use to take, catch or kill a turtle. These turtle hooks must be at least 3.5 inches in total length with at least a 1-inch space between the point and shank. Anyone wishing to sell, barter or trade snapping turtles or their parts needs to have a snapping turtle permit. This permit must be possessed at all times while hunting for turtles. You can get a snapping turtle permit online. You do not need a snapping turtle permit if you are collecting a snapping turtle for your personal use. As long as you have a valid PA fishing license, an individual can collect 15 daily and have a total of 30 in their possession.

The Department of Agriculture is responsible for issuing permits for fish propagation, which includes bullfrogs and green frogs.

Our regulations require that, with the exception of common snapping turtles, no reptile or amphibian may be taken from the wild in PA for sale, trade or barter. To sell a snapping turtle, you would need to have a commercial snapping turtle permit. Also, it is unlawful to possess, import or export species listed as endangered or threatened by the Fish and Boat Commission.

It is unlawful to milk our native snakes and sell the venom.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Reptile and Amphibian Rules and Regulations

Possession or removal from the wild of any native reptile or amphibian is illegal. Rhode Island law offers the opportunity to own a variety of non-native reptiles and amphibians as pets. Some species require special permits issued by the Division of Agriculture. For detailed rules and regulations regarding possession of non-native (“exotic”) reptile and amphibian species, see RIDEM regulation 250-RICR-40-05-3.17 sections A3 & A4. Federal law prohibits the sale of viable turtle eggs or any live turtle with a carapace length shorter than four inches. This regulation applies regardless of species or geographic origin, as small turtles are associated with an increased Salmonella risk for young children.

Possession of native species for valid research and exhibition purposes is allowed with a permit. Individuals requesting permission to use native reptiles or amphibians for research or professional exhibition should submit a permit application to the RIDEM Division of Fish and Wildlife. Permit applicants are required to pay a processing fee of $25 per permit.

- - Red eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta) and non-native amphibian species must be kept
    indoors (outdoor enclosures are prohibited).
  - Importation or possession of mudpuppies (Necturus spp.) is prohibited.

South Carolina

No native reptile or amphibian, including parts, products, eggs, and derivatives may be sold, purchased, traded, exchanged, bartered, exported or shipped, transferred and/or re-homed. Exceptions can be found in Updated Rules and Regulations Chapter 123-151.1-4 and Code of Laws, Title 50, Chapter 15

It shall be unlawful for any person to take, possess, transport, export, process, sell, or offer for sale or ship, and for any common carrier knowingly to transport or receive for shipment any species or subspecies of wildlife from Title 50, Chapter 15, except by permit for scientific and conservation purposes issued by the South Carolina DNR.

All permits are at the bottom of this page

Act 177 FAQs

Restricted Nonnative Wildlife, specifically the Black and White Tegu; Full language can be found in the Rules and Regulations, Article 5, Chapter 123.152

South Dakota

Non Domestic Animal Control Laws in South Dakota mostly pertain to mammals. Please check CHAPTER 12:68:18 of their administrative rules for exact wording.

Tennessee

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for the issuance of permits for certain captive wildlife species

Tennessee Code Table of Contents PAW- ET TABLE OF CONTENTS – Title 70 Wildlife Resources – Chapter 4 Miscellaneous Regulations – Part 4 Exotic Animals

Class 1 herps are all members of the order Crocodylia, all venomous snakes, and all poisonous amphibians. This class includes all species inherently dangerous to humans. These species may only be possessed by zoos, circuses and commercial propagators, except as otherwise provided in this part. The commission, in conjunction with the commissioner of agriculture, may add or delete species from the list of Class I wildlife by promulgating rules and regulations.

In order to legally possess certain wildlife species, persons must do so in accordance with specific regulations:

- - No one can possess a Class 1 or Class 2 species without first obtaining the appropriate permit.
  - Class 1 species are considered inherently dangerous to humans and may only be possessed by permitted exhibitors or commercial propagators.
  - Personal possession of any Class 1 species is not allowed.
  - Class 1 species permits will only be issued if the applicant has met all requirements in T.C.A. 70-4-404 and T.C.A. 70-4-405 and has passed a Class 1 facility inspection.
  - Bona Fide Zoo is an institution operated wholly or in part by a political subdivision of the state to display wildlife to the public.
  - Any person possessing Class 1 or 2 wildlife species must have documentation indicating the animal originated from a legal source.
  - No importation permit for Class 1 or 2 species will be authorized until all information is supplied that the source is legal in the state of origin and does not possess a threat to human or animal health.

For more information, contact a regional office near you by clicking here.

Texas

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires a Controlled Exotic Snake Permit for the following species: All non-indigenous venomous snakes, African rock pythons, Asiatic rock pythons, green anacondas, reticulated pythons, and southern African pythons.

As per the Local Government Code:
Title 7. Subtitle B. Chapter 240. Subchapter A. Sec. 240.002.
(a) The commissioners court of a county by order may prohibit or regulate the keeping of a wild animal in the county.
(b) The order does not apply inside the limits of a municipality.
Sec. 240.003.
(a) A person commits an offense if the person violates an order adopted under this subchapter and the order defines the violation as an offense.
(b) An offense under this section is prosecuted in the same manner as an offense defined under state law.
(c) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Utah

Utah Administrative rule R657-53 governs the importation, transportation, and possession of herps in the state.

It is required by the state of Utah to take an online reptile and amphibian course and take an exam to obtain a certificate.

- - Import, collect or possess a species that falls into the Expanded possession category.
  - Apply for or acquire a herpetology collection permit.
  - Apply for a certificate of registration, which is necessary for rattlesnake collection/possession or any commercial, educational or scientific use of reptiles and amphibians.
  - Engage in any herpetology-related activity that requires a wildlife document (see Administrative Rule R657-53-6).

The possession of non-native venomous species is prohibited. A special permission variance must be applied for and approved by the Utah Wildlife Board. The request for variance process may be found in R657-53-18.

Vermont

The state of Vermont Statue 10 V.S.A. App. § 18. Governing the importation and possession of wild animals, excluding fish contains the guidelines for what is needed to possess wildlife for pet stores, dealers in wildlife, hobbyists, and prospective pet owners.

An Importation and Possession Permit is required before importing or possessing certain pets or animals in Vermont. No herps are considered domestic by the state. There are unresticted wild animals that do not require a permit and restricted wild animals that must have a permit prior to ownership/possession. Importation and Possession Permit Application Form

Unrestricted Herps

- - Fire-bellied toads (Captive Bred Only)
  - Green treefrog (Captive Bred Only)
  - Red-eyed treefrog (Captive Bred Only)
  - White’s treefrog (Captive Bred Only)
  - All species salamanders and newts, except those listed in Appendix that require an importation and possession permit
  - All species of alligator lizards, glass lizards, slow worms
  - All species of wall lizards, except those listed in Appendix that require an importation and possession permit
  - All species of skinks, except those listed in Appendix that
    require an importation and possession permit
  - Tegus and whiptails
  - Short-tailed pygmy monitor
  - Savannah/Bosc’s monitor
  - Dwarf monitor
  - Timor monitor
  - Agamas
  - Chameleons
  - Collared lizards
  - Anoles
  - Fence lizards, spiny lizards
  - Curly-tailed lizards
  - South American swifts
  - Geckos
  - All species of boas and pythons, except those listed in Appendix that require an importation and possession
  - All species of colubrids, except those listed in Appendix that require an importation and possession permit
  - Southern painted turtle (Captine Bred Only)
  - Red-eared slider (Captive Bred Only)
  - Yellowbelly slider (Captive Bred Only)
  - Cumberland slider (Captive Bred Only)
  - Russian tortoise (Captive Bred Only)
  - Red-footed tortoise (Captive Bred Only)

Exceptions to Unrestricted Wild Animal List

Species below are exceptions to Unrestricted Wild Animal List status and require an importation and possession permit

- - Mole salamanders
  - Hellbenders
  - American giant salamanders
  - Asian salamanders
  - Northern dusky salamanders
  - Two-lined salamanders
  - Spring salamanders
  - Four-toed salamanders
  - Lungless salamanders
  - Mudpuppy
  - Blue tailed fire belly newt
  - Dayang newt
  - Chenggong fire belly newt
  - Wolterstorff’s newt
  - Brook salamanders
  - Spine-tailed salamanders
  - Eastern newts
  - Western newts
  - Alpine newts
  - Canary Island lizards
  - Iberian mountain lizard
  - Caucasian green lizard
  - Viviparous lizard
  - Skinks
  - Water/Papuan python
  - Anacondas
  - Indian sand boa
  - Russell’s sand boa
  - Olive python
  - Scrub/Amethistine python
  - Oenpelli python
  - Indian/Burmese python
  - Reticulated python
  - Southern African python
  - Northern Africa python
  - Mangrove snake
  - Brown tree snake
  - Racers
  - Ring-necked snakes
  - Boomslang
  - N. American/Eastern ratsnakes
  - Diadem snakes
  - False water cobra
  - Eastern milk snake
  - Northern watersnake
  - Green snakes
  - Red-necked snakes
  - Tiger keelback snakes
  - Dekay’s brownsnakes
  - Red-bellied snakes
  - False vipers
  - Garter snakes, ribbon snakes
  - Twig/Bird snake
  - Bird/Vine snake

Virginia

The code for regulating the taking of native amphibians and reptiles was updated in July of 2021. 4VAC15-360-10. The purpose was to fix a loophole where people were keeping more than the allowed limit of native species by claiming the animals belonged to relatives.

Possession limits. Except as otherwise provided for in § 29.1-418 of the Code of Virginia, 4VAC15-20-130, 4VAC15-320-40, and the sections of this chapter, it shall be lawful to capture and possess live for private use and not for sale or export no more than one individual of any native or naturalized, as defined in 4VAC15-20-50, species of amphibian or reptile per physical address, and 20 individuals of any single native or naturalized (as defined in 4VAC15-20-50) species of aquatic invertebrate and nongame fish unless specifically listed in this subsection:

- - The daily limit for bullfrogs shall be 15 and for snapping turtles shall be five. Snapping turtles shall only be taken from June 1 to September 30 and must have a minimum curved-line carapace length of 13 inches. Bullfrogs and snapping turtles may not be taken from the banks or waters of designated stocked trout waters.
  - The following species may not be taken or possessed in any number for private use: red-eared slider and all reptile and amphibian Species of Greatest Conservation Need designated in Virginia’s 2015 Wildlife Action Plan.
  - Native amphibians and reptiles, as defined in 4VAC15-20-50, that are captured within the Commonwealth and possessed live for private use and not for sale may be liberated under the following conditions:
    - Period of captivity does not exceed 30 days;
    - Animals must be liberated at the site of capture;
    - Animals must have been housed separately from other wild-caught and domestic animals; and
    - Animals that demonstrate symptoms of disease or illness or that have sustained injury during their captivity may not be released.
  - Native or naturalized amphibians and reptiles, as defined in 4VAC15-20-50, may not be taken or possessed in any number from state or federal land without an appropriate permit or license.
  - Reduction of possession limits for native and naturalized amphibians and reptiles. Any person in possession of legally-obtained native and naturalized amphibians and reptiles, as defined in 4VAC15-20-50, prior to the change in personal possession allowances in subsection A of this section, effective July 1, 2021, must declare such possession to the department by January 1, 2022, in a manner prescribed by the department. This declaration shall serve as authorization for possession only and is not transferable.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has a list of native animals, reptiles and amphibians included, that are labled Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). There is a compiled list of them that is reviewed by conservation scientists and others to make the best possible choices for their survival. The full list can be found here along with their classification status within the state.

As per 4VAC15-20-50, wild animals are defined as follows: “Wild animal” means any member of the animal kingdom, except domestic animals, including without limitation any native, naturalized, or nonnative (exotic) mammal, fish, bird, amphibian, reptile, mollusk, crustacean, arthropod, or other invertebrate, and includes any hybrid of them, except as otherwise specified in regulations of the board, or part, product, egg, or offspring of them, or the dead body or parts of them.

4VAC15-30-10. Possession, importation, sale, etc., of wild animals.

Under the authority of §§ 29.1-103 and 29.1-521 of the Code of Virginia it shall be unlawful to take, possess, conduct research, import, cause to be imported, export, cause to be exported, buy, sell, offer for sale, or liberate within the Commonwealth any wild animal unless otherwise specifically permitted by law or regulation. Unless otherwise stated, for the purposes of identifying species regulated by the board, when both the scientific and common names are listed, the scientific reference to genus and species will take precedence over common names.

Washington

The dangerous animal law, Chapter 16.30 RCW, prohibits the ownership of lions, monkeys, elephants and jaguars in Washington, along with these animals:

- 1. 1. - Tigers
        
        Cougars
        
        Cheetahs
        
        Lemurs
        
        Leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards
        
        Wolves, excluding wolf-hybrids
        
        All bear species
        
        Hyenas
        
        Rhinoceroses
        
        Cobras and snakes such as mambas, coral snakes, and Australian tiger snakes.
        
        Crocodiles
        
        Wild animals such as cougars, bullfrogs, beavers and otters are also illegal to own under WAC 220-400-020

West Virginia

More information can be found in the DNR Reptiles & Amphibians reg summary

As of 2021 it is prohibited to possess or take the following native herp species:

Salamanders

- - Streamside salamander
  - Jefferson salamander
  - Spotted salamander
  - Marbled salamander
  - Small-mouthed salamander
  - Green salamander
  - Eastern hellbender
  - Cave salamander
  - West Virginia spring salamander
  - Four-toed salamander
  - Common mudpuppy
  - Red-spotted newt (eastern newt)
  - Red-backed salamander
  - White-spotted slimy salamander
  - Northern ravine salamander
  - Northern slimy salamander
  - Valley and ridge salamander
  - Cumberland plateau salamander
  - Cheat mountain salamander
  - Yellow-spotted woodland salamander
  - Cow Knob salamander
  - Southern ravine salamander
  - Shenandoah Mountain salamander
  - Wehrle’s salamander
  - Midland mud salamander
  - Northern red salamander

Frogs and Toads

- - Blanchard’s cricket frog
  - Eastern cricket frog
  - American toad
  - Fowler’s toad
  - Cope’s gray treefrog
  - Gray treefrog
  - Pickerel frog
  - Northern leopard frog
  - Wood frog
  - Mountain chorus frog
  - Spring peeper
  - Upland chorus frog
  - Eastern spadefoot

Lizards

- - Eastern six-lined racerunner
  - Northern coal skink
  - Common five-lined skink
  - Broad-headed skink
  - Eastern fence lizard
  - Little brown skink

Snakes

- - Eastern copperhead
  - Eastern wormsnake
  - Northern black racer
  - Timber rattlesnake
  - Northern ring-necked snake
  - Eastern hog-nosed snake
  - Eastern kingsnake
  - Eastern black kingsnake
  - Eastern milksnake
  - Common watersnake
  - Northern rough greensnake
  - Smooth greensnake
  - Eastern ratsnake
  - Red cornsnake
  - Gray ratsnake
  - Northern pinesnake
  - Queen snake
  - Dekay’s brownsnake
  - Red-bellied snake
  - Common ribbonsnake
  - Eastern gartersnake
  - Eastern smooth earthsnake
  - Mountain earthsnake

Turtles

- - Midland smooth softshell
  - Eatern painted turtle
  - Midland painted turtle
  - Spotted turtle
  - Wood turtle
  - Northern map turtle
  - Ouachita map turtle
  - Eastern river cooter
  - Northern red-bellied cooter
  - Eastern musk turtle
  - Woodland (eastern) box turtle
  - Red-eared slider

Exotics are governed by West Virginia Code §19-34 DANGEROUS WILD ANIMALS ACT

The regulation written by the Dangerous Wild Animal Board following the passage of the law bans these species:

3.1.a. Hyenas;

3.1.b. Gray wolves, excluding hybrids;

3.1.c. Lions;

3.1.d. Tigers;

3.1.e. Jaguars;

3.1.f. Leopards, including clouded leopards, Sunda clouded leopards, and snow leopards; and

3.1.g. All of the following, including hybrids with domestic cats unless otherwise specified:

3.1.g.1. Cheetahs;

3.1.g.2. Lynxes, including Canadian lynxes, Eurasian lynxes, and Iberian lynxes;

3.1.g.3. Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions; and

3.1.g.4. Caracals.

3.1.h. Bears; (excluding black bears native to this state);

3.1.i. Elephants;

3.1.j. Rhinoceroses;

3.1.k. Hippopotamuses;

3.1.l. Cape buffalo;

3.1.m. African wild dogs;

3.1.n. Komodo dragons;

3.1.o. Nonhuman primates, excluding:

3.1.o.1. Lemurs;

3.1.o.2. Golden lion, black faced lion, golden-rumped lion, cotton top, emperor, saddlebacked, blackmantled, and Geoffroys tamarins;

3.1.o.3. Southern and northern night monkeys;

3.1.o.4. Dusky titi and masked titi monkeys;

3.1.o.5. Muriquis;

3.1.o.6. Goeldi’s monkeys;

3.1.o.7. White-faced, black-bearded, white-nose bearded, and monk sakis;

3.1.o.8. Bald and black uakaris;

3.1.o.9. Black-handed, white-bellied, brown-headed, and black spider monkeys;

3.1.o.10. Common woolly monkeys; and

3.1.o.11. Red, black, and mantled howler monkeys.

§19-34-4. Prohibition on the possession of a dangerous wild animal; exceptions.

- - Except as otherwise provided in this article, a person may not possess a dangerous wild animal.
  - Pursuant to the provisions of this article, the board may issue a permit for the possession of a dangerous wild animal if the applicant was in legal possession of the animal prior to the effective date of the rules promulgated under this article.

West Virginia Department of Agriculture Dangerous Wild Animal Permit website

Link to Permit Application Form

Wisconsin

Residents and nonresidents may possess and exhibit non-native herptiles for educational or commercial purposes without any Department of Natural Resources license.

A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) is required for animals entering Wisconsin by any mode of transportation, such as automobile, airplane or rail. This includes exotic pets. Exotic pets do not need vaccinations or official individual IDs to be imported. Reptiles and Amphibians must have CVIs and import permits.

Wisconsin native herps are all considered protected whether they are wild caught, captive bred, or imported. Exact rules and details can be found here Wisconsin’s Amphibian and Reptile Regulations.

Wisconsin Captive Wild Animal Farm Licenses

More details and information can be found here

Class A: for a captive wild animal farm that earns $10,000 or more in annual sales or to sell the following native reptiles or amphibians:

- - Leopard frogs
  - Tiger salamanders
  - Mudpuppies
  - Any native reptile or amphibian collected outside of Wisconsin (which can only be sold to educational or research institutions in Wisconsin or to someone located outside of Wisconsin).

Class B: for a captive wild animal farm that earns less than $10,000 in annual sales and you do not plan to sell native reptiles or amphibians.

Captive Wild Animal Farm License Application from Wisconsin DNR

Wisconsin Legislature: NR 16.13 Sale and purchase of reptiles and amphibians.

- 1. Applicability. This section applies to the sale and purchase of native wild reptiles and native wild amphibians in Wisconsin.
  2. Sale. The sale of native amphibians and reptiles is prohibited except as provided in s. 169.12, Stats. , or any of the following:
    1. Out-of-state collection. Native amphibians and reptiles legally collected out-of-state or purchased from out-of-state may be sold out-of-state or to an educational or research institutions in-state if the seller possesses a class A captive wild animal farm license issued under s. 169.15, Stats., to possess and sell those species.
    2. Turtles. Dead turtles and their parts harvested, killed and possessed in accordance with ss. NR 19.275, 21.13 and 22.13 may be sold during the open season. Note: A class A captive wild animal farm license is not required to sell legally harvested dead turtles or their parts during the open season.
  3. Purchase. The purchase of native amphibians and reptiles is prohibited except as provided in pars. (a) to (c), and under s. 169.12, Stats.
    1. Northern leopard frogs, mudpuppies and eastern tiger salamanders. Native leopard frogs of the species Lithobates pipiens, mudpuppies of the species Necturus maculosus or eastern tiger salamanders of the species Ambystoma tigrinum collected within Wisconsin may be purchased from a seller that has been specifically authorized by a class A captive wild animal farm license issued under s. 169.15, Stats., or a bait dealers license issued under s. 29.509, Stats., to possess and sell these species. Note: Native reptiles and amphibians obtained by purchase count toward possession limits established in s. NR 16.12.
    2. Out-of-state collection. Educational or research institutions may purchase native amphibians and reptiles legally collected out-of-state from an out-of-state seller or by the holder of a class A captive wild animal farm license issued under s. 169.15, Stats., who is authorized to possess or sell those species in-state.
    3. Turtles. Dead turtles and their parts harvested, killed and possessed in accordance with ss. NR 19.275, 21.13 and 22.13 may be purchased during the open season.

Wyoming

Chapter 10, Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Regulations, outlines which animals may be possessed or imported into Wyoming without a permit, which animals require a permit, which animals are prohibited from importation or possession. It also lists animals that have been exempted from regulation by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission. Additionally, the Wyoming Livestock Board and the Wyoming Department of Health have enacted further regulations in an effort to protect public health and agriculture. Contact these agencies directly for further information. The applicant should ensure that possession of live wildlife is allowed by local city and county ordinances and covenants of subdivisions.

Applications for permits are available on the department’s website on the “Forms and Applications” link, or from your local game warden and Regional Offices. Applications are self-explanatory and must be submitted to your local game warden or fisheries biologist for initial approval. Wardens and biologists can assist you in the application process. A person must have a permit prior to importation or possession of live wildlife. This applies to all persons.

Wildlife Possession & Importation Guide
This list is not intended to be an inclusive list of all wildlife species. If you have questions regarding the possession and/or importation of any species not delineated in this guide, please contact the nearest Game and Fish Office for additional information.

Species	Possession Allowed?	Importation Allowed?	WGFD Possession Permit	WGFD Importation Permit	Comments
( ) Indicates footnote found at end of table
Amphibians	Yes	Yes(10)	No	No	Manitoba Toad prohibited
Reptiles	Yes(1)	Yes	No(8)(10)	No(8)(10)
Toad, Manitoba	No	No	N/A	N/A

Footnotes
(1)	These species may carry toxins, plague, salmonella, psittacosis, hantavirus, TB, or other diseases. Public display, where there is a possibility of exposure, may be regulated by the Wyoming Department of Health or federal agencies.
(8)	Permit required for the following reptiles: Midget-faded Rattlesnake, Rubber Boa, Black Hills Redbelly Snake, Pale Milk Snake, and Ornate Box Turtle.
(10)	May not be imported for use as live fishing bait.

Alabama

Alaska

5 AAC 92.029. Permit for possessing live game. (b) The following species, not including a hybrid of a game animal and a species listed in this subsection, may be possessed, imported, exported, bought, sold, or traded without a permit from the department but may not be released into the wild:

Arizona

In order to lawfully possess wildlife listed as restricted under this Section, for any activity prohibited under A.R.S. §§ 17-255.02, 17-306, R12-4-902, or this Article, a person shall possess:

Reptiles listed below are considered restricted live wildlife:

Amphibians listed below are considered restricted live wildlife. The following species within the order Anura, common names frogs and toads:

Exemptions from Special License Requirements for Restricted Live Wildlife

Arkansas

Animals captured from the wild in Arkansas

Native Arkansas species that were born in captivity

Species not native to Arkansas

California

California prohibits possession of enumerated species without a permit. Permits are not granted for private pet possession.

§ 671. Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals.

Colorado

Colorado wildlife law generally prohibits the live possession of both native and exotic wildlife.

Wildlife can NOT be taken from the wild in the State of Colorado.

Connecticut

Category 2 – Bans importation and possession

Category 3 – Bans import and export

Delaware

Delaware has several resources available to those wishing to possess exotic animals within the state.

The following are exempt:

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Restricted animals Part A

Restricted animals Part B

Prohibited Animals

Idaho

Reptiles or Amphibians listed on the Invasive Species list>/a> may not be allowed for importation.

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

PERMIT (Reptile and Amphibian Wholesaler/Retail Dealer’s License OR Possession Permit) required for import or private possession of constrictors and venomous snakes. EXEMPT:

LIST: Constrictors includes:

REQUIREMENTS: Venomous:

DIAMONDBACK TERRAPINS

OTHER HERP PERMITS

EXEMPT:

Maine

EXEMPT:

EXCLUDES: Commercial use and import

Restricted (PERMIT required to possess, import, exhibit, propagate, or rehabilitate)

ENDANGERED/THREATENED SPECIES (12 Maine Rev. Statutes §6971 et. al. and §12801 et. al.; Code of Maine Rules 09-137 Ch. 8)

PERMITS: (Chapter 6)

General:

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Endangered

Threatened

Mississippi

The state of Mississippi has specific rules about what are considered non-game wildlife and wildlife that is endangered or threatened. Those rules are as follows:

Missouri

Class I Wildlife Breeders

Class II Wildlife Breeders

Montana

Nebraska

Under Chapter 4, Sec. 010.02, the following reptile and amphibian species are considered nongame species in need of conservation. It is unlawful to take these species without a Scientific and Educational Permit.

Nevada

New Hampshire

PART Fis 805 RELEASE OF WILDLIFE

PART Fis 810 EXHIBITION

PART Fis 811 SALE OF WILDLIFE

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

§ 11-0511. Possession and transportation of wildlife.

§ 11-0512. Possession, sale, barter, transfer, exchange and import of wild animals as pets prohibited

North Carolina

Amphibian and Reptile Possession Permit

Permit Restrictions, Rules and Conditions

Endangered Species Permit

Chapter 14 Article 55 Regulation of Certain Reptiles

5 AAC 92.029. Permit for possessing live game.
(b) The following species, not including a hybrid of a game animal and a species listed in this subsection, may be possessed, imported, exported, bought, sold, or traded without a permit from the department but may not be released into the wild:

PERMIT (Reptile and Amphibian Wholesaler/Retail Dealer’s License OR Possession Permit) required for import or private possession of constrictors and venomous snakes.
EXEMPT:

REQUIREMENTS:
Venomous: