Monty's Reptiles

There are roughly 35 states that regulate possession of reptiles.  We are currently compiling information from these states.  However many citites and or counties have ordanances that further regulate or ban the possession of reptiles.  I can not do all the work for you so I strongly suggest that you take the time to research your local laws BEFORE you purchase an animal.  Please don't make the animal suffer for your ignorance.

            Possession of threatened and endangered herps is prohibited except with a valid permit: Scientific permits are issued to qualified individuals for purposes of legitimate research only. Educational permits are only issued to educational institutions such as schools, zoos, or museums, or to individuals employed or sponsored by such an institution. Zoological permits allow for the public exhibition of state endangered and threatened species and are issued to recognized, qualified institutions. Propagation permits are required to attempt the propagation of any protected species and propagation permits are only issued as an addendum to state scientific or zoological permits. Limited permits allowing for the possession, purchase, and sale of legally acquired specimens of protected species by both individuals and institutions are also issued on occasion. There are currently no fees for any of these permits. 

All unprotected amphibians and reptiles except turtles and bullfrogs may be collected and possessed within specified limits with a valid hunting and fishing license. Those portions of this legislation restricting the non-commercial collection and possession of native amphibian and reptile species are summarized below.

Amphibians and reptiles may be captured by any device or method which is not designated or intended to bring about the death or serious injury of the animals captured.         * Does not include state threatened or endangered species, bullfrogs, or turtles (see Frogs and Turtles below).

Any captured reptiles and amphibians which are not to be retained in the possession of the captor shall be immediately released at the site of capture.

The daily catch limit for amphibians and reptiles is 8 of each species. The possession limit for amphibians and reptiles is 16 of each species.

Habitat features which are disturbed in the course of a search for reptiles and amphibians shall be returned to as near their original position and condition as possible, e.g. overturned stones and logs shall be restored to their original locations.

Frogs

Bull frogs and green frogs may be taken by hook and line, gig, spear, bow and arrow, hand, or dip net only, except between April 30 and June 15, with a bag limit of 25 per day. A valid Indiana fishing license is required.

Turtles

Common snapping turtles, smooth soft shell, and spiny soft shell turtles may be taken only by hand, hook and line, or dip net, with a bag limit of 25 per day. A valid fishing license is required.

IMPORTATION AND COMMERCIAL TRADE REGULATIONS

Native species

It is unlawful to take, possess, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell or barter any reptile, amphibian or their eggs or parts taken from the wild in Indiana for commercial purposes unless otherwise authorized by statute. 

License and Permit Information

Licenses may be obtained from the IDNR.  

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

Division of Fish and Wildlife

402 W. Washington St. RM W273

Indianapolis, IN 46204

CAPTIVE MAINTENANCE REGULATIONS

Native and Exotic Species

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources prohibits the keeping of any venomous (or venomoid) reptile or any crocodilian of 5 feet or more in length without a class three wild animal permit.

Captive Maintenance Regulations Review

The following is a brief review of the restrictions on the possession of amphibians and reptiles.

1. Endangered and threatened species may not be possessed except by permit.
2. The keeping of all venomous reptiles is prohibited except by permit.  This includes venomoid animals (which have had their venom glands removed).
3. The keeping of crocodilians 5 feet or more in length is prohibited except by permit.

Possession of threatened and endangered herps is prohibited except with a valid permit: Scientific permits are issued to qualified individuals for purposes of legitimate research only. Educational permits are only issued to educational institutions such as schools, zoos, or museums, or to individuals employed or sponsored by such an institution. Zoological permits allow for the public exhibition of state endangered and threatened species and are issued to recognized, qualified institutions. Propagation permits are required to attempt the propagation of any protected species and propagation permits are only issued as an addendum to state scientific or zoological permits. Limited permits allowing for the possession, purchase, and sale of legally acquired specimens of protected species by both individuals and institutions are also issued on occasion. There are currently no fees for any of these permits. 

All unprotected amphibians and reptiles except turtles and bullfrogs may be collected and possessed within specified limits without license. A valid fishing license is required to collect bullfrogs and turtles. Those portions of this legislation restricting the non-commercial collection and possession of native amphibian and reptile species are summarized below.

Amphibians and reptiles may be captured by any device or method which is not designated or intended to bring about the death or serious injury of the animals captured.         * Does not include state threatened or endangered species, bullfrogs, or turtles (see Frogs and Turtles below).

Any captured reptiles and amphibians which are not to be retained in the possession of the captor shall be immediately released at the site of capture.

The daily catch limit for amphibians and reptiles is 8 of each species. The possession limit for amphibians and reptiles is 16 of each species.

Habitat features which are disturbed in the course of a search for reptiles and amphibians shall be returned to as near their original position and condition as possible, e.g. overturned stones and logs shall be restored to their original locations.

Frogs

Rana catesbeiana, bullfrogs may be taken by hook and line, gig, spear, bow and arrow, hand, or dip net only. A valid Illinois fishing license is required.

Turtles

Turtles may be taken only by hand, hook and line, or dip net. A valid fishing license is required.

IMPORTATION AND COMMERCIAL TRADE REGULATIONS

Native species

It is unlawful to take, possess, buy, sell, offer to buy or sell or barter any reptile, amphibian or their eggs or parts taken from the wild in Illinois for commercial purposes unless otherwise authorized by statute.

The captive produced offspring of wild caught native amphibians and reptiles may be sold by authority of an Illinois aquaculture license.

Native and Exotic Species

Illinois considers certain native and non-native reptiles (venomous or venomoid crocodilians and any snake over 15 ft) to be dangerous animals and prohibits their possession. This also prohibits their sale.

 Office of Licenses and Permits

Illinois Department of Natural Resources 
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271

CAPTIVE MAINTENANCE REGULATIONS

Native Species

The Illinois' Taking of Reptiles and Amphibians legislation concerns native species produced in captivity. Captive bred offspring of a legally held reptile or amphibian, not intended for commercial purposes, is exempt from the possession limits for a period of 90 days.

Native and Exotic Species

The Illinois Dangerous Animals Act specifically prohibits the keeping of any venomous/venomoid or life-threatening reptile.  Illinois currently considers any adult (over 15 feet in length) constrictor snake and all crocodilians to be life-threatening.

Captive Maintenance Regulations Review

The following is a brief review of the restrictions on the possession of amphibians and reptiles included among Illinois' regulations.

1. Endangered and threatened species may not be possessed except by perimit.
2. The possession limit for native amphibians and reptiles is 16 of each species.
3. The keeping of all venomous reptiles is prohibited except by permit.
4. The keeping of crocodilians is prohibited except by permit.
5. Any constricting snake over six feet in length may not be possessed without a permit.