Deadline to comment: July 6, 2020

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has proposed a regulation to ban many species of reptiles and amphibians. The regulation states it will be illegal to “possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring, release, or cause to be brought or imported into the State…” any of the listed species. Even if you yourself are not a reptile keeper, this is an infringement on the rights of Alabamians to responsibly keep and do business related to these reptiles, not to mention outlaw pets and hobbies that many value and enjoy. 

The additions to the current ban list include:

African Soft Fur Rats, which are currently widely used as feeder animals

All species listed as injurious under the Lacey Act. This includes but is not limited to:Reticulated pythons;
Burmese and Indian pythons;
Green and yellow anacondas;
Northern and Southern African Rock pythons;
201 species of salamanders;
All other Lacey Act injurious species. Complete list at www.fws.gov/injuriouswildlife/pdf_files/Current_Listed_IW.pdf

2. Any species of nonindigenous venomous reptile which has never naturally existed in the wild in Alabama including but not limited to venomous snakes of the families Viperidae, Atractasvididae, Elapidae, Hydrophiidae and Colubridae, except for hognose snakes (genus Heterodon);

3. All tegus.

ADCNR has reported that this rule will have no economic impact. ADCNR also claims that the absence of this rule significantly harms and endangers public health, welfare, or safety. ADCNR declares this regulation is “solely for the purpose of the protection of the public.” Another claim is that there is no alternative and a ban is the only option. If this regulation will affect you or your business, please take the time to take action by contacting ADCNR. 

There is no mention of any grandfathering process.

CONTACT:

Charles F. Sykes, Director, Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries, 5th Floor, 64 N. Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130

Phone: 334-242-3465

Email list: dcnr.wffdirector@dcnr.alabama.gov, dcnr.wffdirector@dcnr.alabama.gov

A group commenting session will not be held. Interested persons may schedule a time to present their views orally. Please contact Ryan Corley at 334-242-3165 or ryan.corley@dcnr.alabama.gov to schedule a time.

Read the full ADCNR report and proposal at www.outdooralabama.com/sites/default/files/Legal/Proposed%20DCNR%20Rules/2020-WFF-5%20220-2-.26%20Restrictions%20on%20Possession,%20Sale,%20Importation%20and,or%20Release%20of%20Certain%20Animals%20and%20Fish.pdf

(This was adapted from the US Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) and can be found along with a more complete list of species at https://usark.org/alert-alabama-2020/?fbclid=IwAR0PsG8BTbD9Yc_hJywewG-I3ZNNxbxsnqsW4jgI_XSDwglDgxd0UDxjLtg )