Wednesday, June 18th
June's meeting will feature an open discussion on how to maintain your reptiles and amphibians at home as well as our care sheet program. You are welcome to bring your animals to this meeting.
Meetings start promptly at 8pm in the Alumni Room of Medaille College.
Understanding New York's Laws on Amphibians and Reptiles
Common Questions and Answers of the Laws and Regulations on New York State Reptiles and Amphibians
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding reptiles and amphibians here in New York State. Please see the DEC's website for more information.
What methods are allowed for collecting snapping turtles from my pond?
The use of traps, dip nets, pitfalls, seines or other devices requires the appropriate license from the Department of Environmental Conservation. It is illegal to take turtles with a hook and line. Snapping turtles can be hunted from July 15 to September 30, but the carapace must measure at least 12 inches and there is a daily bag limit of five, and a seasonal limit of 30.
I'd like to keep a native turtle as a pet. Is this legal?
The Department may issue a revocable special license to collect, possess, or sell for scientific or educational purposes any protected species, including threatened and endangered species. This "Scientific Collector's License" will not be issued to individuals who wish to keep protected species as pets.
What species are protected? Which are listed as endangered or threatened?
Please visit our New York State Reptiles and Amphibians page for a detailed list of our variuos protected species.
What about baby turtles in the local pet store?
Public Health Law, rather than Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), regulates the sale of unprotected turtles in the state. Turtles must have a carapace length of greater than four inches to be sold legally.
I heard that there are special laws that apply only to the diamondback terrapin.
Yes, that's true. The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) was given protection in 1990 as a result of a petition from the New York Tortoise and Turtle Society filed under the authority of ECL-0311. Individuals who have obtained a special license may take terrapins from 1 August to 30 April annually. Sale is allowed from 1 August to 4 May. Only terrapins with a straight line carapace length between 4 and 7 inches inclusive may be taken or sold. A license is required to take and costs $10 annually.
My kids love to collect frogs and observe them for a few days. Are there any laws governing this activity?
Yes. Frogs (including all lifestages) are listed as a small game species and it is necessary to have a fishing or hunting license to take them. Frogs may be taken in any number from June 15 through September 30. Northern Leopard Frogs, Southern Leopard Frogs, and Northern Cricket Frogs are the exception to this rule and may not be taken at any time. Make sure the frogs are kept moist and are returned to the same pond from which they were taken.
Do amphibians and reptiles get the same protection against cruelty as other wildlife?
As a matter of fact, they do! Turtles are covered under the Consolidated Laws of New York dealing with animal cruelty. Presumably all species of amphibians and reptiles are included under this court decision.
Is it okay for me to release turtles in my pond?
No, not without a permit. In New York State you must obtain a special permit from the Department in order to release any species of wildlife, fish or shellfish into the wild. This law is intended to prevent the spread of infectious diseases from one population to another and to prevent exotic species from becoming a problem to native species.
What if I see a violation of any of these laws?
To report a violation of any wildlife or otherwise environmentally-related law, call 1 800 TIPP DEC.
How do I go about obtaining a permit or special license?
You can apply for a permit, license, or special license by writing to the Department's Special Licenses Unit at 50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12233-4752.
Further Questions?
If you have any questions relating to amphibians and reptiles that are not addressed here, please contact NYSDEC, Endangered Species Unit, 108 Game Farm Road, Delmar, NY 12054
This information is to be used only as a guide. Please contact your local authorities or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the latest and most accurate information.
Help further herpetology research and education by donating to the Marvin R. Aures Herpetological Grant