FWS has used emergency rulemaking to apply a 240-day temporary listing for the blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The comment deadline is February 24, 2025! Click the link for more details on how and what to comment. https://usark.org/
UPDATE 12/27/24: FWS has used emergency rulemaking to apply a 240-day temporary listing for the blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This is effective immediately. FWS has proposed that this listing will be permanent. They can choose not to list the species if the evidence does not support the listing, or they can modify the listing. This will now be an expedited process. Anyone working with this species, especially those who have successfully bred it, should submit information (see full alert for info) to FWS. Comments must be submitted by February 24, 2025.
Read more at https://usark.org/23esa2/.
ALERT: Washington “Do Not Release” Brochure
UPDATE 2/18/24: The hearing just ended. HB1976 received only favorable verbal testimony but dozens of people opposed the bill through the online system. USARK testified in favor with suggestions to make the end product better, such as a simpler postcard with basic information, QR code, and accompanying website, which the state already has through its Don’t Let It Loose resource. No vote occurred today.
House Bill 1976 had its first reading today (Feb. 14) and will require pet stores to provide a brochure with all animal and aquatic plant sales. The brochure, produced by the Washington Invasive Species Council, will include information about invasive species, the importance of not releasing animals, and what to do if you can no longer care for animals or aquatic plants.
This will provide education and resources to people buying animals and aquatic plants. If the brochure is done well, this could be a great effort that supports responsible animal ownership.
HB1976 is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Committee on Agriculture & Natural Resources on February 18 at 10:30 a.m. Get more information at https://usark.org/25wa/.
ALERT: South Carolina Venomous Ban
South Carolina House Bill 3937 (H3937) was introduced on Feb. 6, 2025 by Representative Hixon. It will ban venomous reptiles (list below). The bill makes it illegal to import into, possess, keep, purchase, have custody or control of, reproduce, or sell within this State. Current owners can get permits and must register their animals within 90 days of the effective date.
Get full details at https://usark.org/25sc/.
ALERT: Virginia Mammal Breeding Restrictions
UPDATE: Potential House vote on Monday, Feb. 17.
This bill has been amended twice since our original alert, when it included all types of animals. UPDATE 2/4/25: The bill barely passed the Senate with a 21-18. It was amended again and the text is at https://lis.blob.core.
Full details at https://usark.org/25va/.
ALERT: Colorado
UPDATE 1/22/25: The PACFA meeting was today. USARK and three stakeholders attended in person (who all did great when speaking), with a few more in attendance virtually. PACFA is still accepting comments and plans to post the formal proposal by February 28. Email comments to cda_pacfa@state.co.us.
Read the full alert at www.usark.org/24co2.
The Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) Program under the Colorado Department of Agriculture has drafted new regulations and amendments. Changes apply to herp, bird, fish, and mammal regulations. There is a link in our alert with the changes marked in red and described in detail (last several pages). This is a first draft for review, and PACFA is taking input from stakeholders. We appreciate PACFA working with stakeholders.
Rule changes include:
+ Enclosure requirements and minimum thresholds before requiring a PACFA license for certain reptiles and amphibians
+ Exemptions from sterilization requirements for cats and dogs in shelters and rescues
+ Vaccination requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets imported into PACFA-licensed facilities
+ Adding definitions and rules around foster homes and foster providers
ALERT: Final and Interim FWS Salamander Rules
Alerted on January 8: In January 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published an interim rule listing 201 species (20 genera) of salamanders as injurious under the Lacey Act. FWS has now finalized that rule and written an interim rule adding 16 genera (about 164 species), opening a public comment period regarding those species. The comment deadline is March 11.
Read more at https://usark.org/
Light Bulb Ban
Read more information with action alert at https://usark.org/
In 2022, the Department of Energy (“Department”) passed a regulation that banned certain incandescent light bulbs. Basically, light bulbs are deemed inefficient if they do not emit a certain amount of lumens per watt. This was meant to transition from less efficient bulbs to more efficient lighting, like LED bulbs.
Reptile lighting is a specialty item and is not used for general-purpose lighting in homes and businesses. However, certain bulbs were reviewed solely on how many lumens they produced per watt. Herp keepers know that halogen and basking bulbs are not used in household lamps for general lighting.
Read the rest and take action at https://usark.org/24doe/.
ALERT: Connecticut Animal Breeder Regulations
Connecticut House Bill 5902 would ban the breeding of animals unless the person or company is licensed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. The bill also requires the Department of Agriculture to create guidelines for the breeding of animals, develop a breeder registry, collect registration fees, and perform annual inspections of such breeders.
Alert at https://usark.org/25ct/.
ALERT: Connecticut Exotic Animal Ban
Connecticut House Bill 5905 would ban the trade of exotic animals.
Alert at https://usark.org/25ct1/.
ALERT: NY RES Turtle Trade Ban
New York Assembly Bill A1685 bans the breeding, sale, trade, purchase, importation, and exportation of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Some exemptions exist, but not for private breeders. There is no grandfathering language, so any current breeders would not be allowed to continue. The bill does not ban possession, and current owners should not be affected.
Alert at https://usark.org/25ny-2/.
ALERT: ESA Modernization Bill
HR102 was introduced by Representative Andy Biggs (Arizona). This bill amends the Endangered Species Act to prevent a species that is not native to the United States from being listed as an endangered or threatened species.
Alert at https://usark.org/25esa/.
ALERT: Ashley, OH
UPDATE 1/7/25: The final vote was postponed because Mayor Lockhart and the Council want to ensure they write a sound ordinance. USARK President Phil Goss attended and spoke for responsible reptile and “exotic” animal owners. Since only a few species would fall under the proposed definition of domesticated animal, USARK wants to make certain changes were made. Even though Ashley is a small town, bad ordinances can spread quickly. USARK appreciates that the Ashley lawmakers want to do it right the first time without unintended consequences.
What it does:
- Bans all species “foreign and not native to the local area” and all species “not normally domesticated.”
- Creates a pet limit that allows no more than three dogs or three cats.
- Bans all livestock animals unless kept on a farm.
Full details and sample email at https://usark.org/24oh/.
Facebook alert at https://www.facebook.com/
ALERT: Florence, SC
UPDATE 2/7/25: Staff has requested that the ordinance be tabled/deferred at the February meeting.
UPDATE 12/9/24: The Council voted to table (postpone) the final vote. USARK President Phil Goss was the only person present to represent responsible reptile and amphibian owners. He was joined by two mammal owners (who had great testimonies), and the three of them were the only people who spoke on this issue. Fortunately, this was enough to get the vote tabled. The Council directed the City Attorney to explore grandfathering and alternative language. Alarmingly, no owners of horses, goats, llamas, pot-bellied pigs, or any other animals on the ban list showed up. Assuredly, hundreds of Florence residents have animals that will be banned, and those animals will need to be rehomed, surrendered, or euthanized. The language that almost passed today does not allow current owners to keep their animals. People who own these animals need to contact the Council and City Attorney.
Florence, South Carolina, has proposed a ban on many species of animals (list at https://usark.org/24sc2/).
Website Alert: https://usark.org/
Facebook: https://www.
ALERT: New York
Senate Bill 252 (S252) makes some changes to the “wild animal” law in New York. It is sponsored by Senator Monica R. Martinez with Senators Andrew Gounardes, Leroy Comrie, Rachel May, and Luis R. Sepúlveda as co-sponsors. The was referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee.
Read more at https://usark.org/25ny/.
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ALERT: Diamondback Terrapin ESA Listing
Snippet: On September 19, 2024, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service (informally known as NOAA Fisheries and an agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA) to list the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA)…
Read the full alert at https://usark.org/24esa3/.
ARTICLE: “Light bulb ban threatens reptile, amphibian welfare” by the Veterinary Infomation Network
snippet: “The ban should be a concern of animal caretakers for many species,” said Latney, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center who also is chair of the Association for Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV). “This is particularly true for captive reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammal species that have limited exposure to natural, unfiltered sunlight.”
Read the full article at https://news.vin.com/
Fundraising Run Across Texas
Marcin is a Marine on a Texas-sized mission (literally)! Marcin of Bigger Better Reptiles is going to take an 850-mile trek across the state of Texas. This will be his longest run, and he is doing it as a fundraiser for USARK.
From Marcin: “USARK is fighting for our rights as reptile keepers. Our way of life is constantly being threatened, and it is important that we have people fighting for us so that we can continue pursuing our passion with these animals. We want to raise money for them to help fund their cause. We plan to start running on March 21st, 2025. Let’s make this happen! Thanks, y’all.”
SPONSORS WANTED: Anyone interested in sponsorships or contributing to this effort, please email biggerbetterrepti
.
TAKE A HERP KEEPING SURVEY (and be entered to win cash prizes)!
It only takes 5-10 minutes! Winners for cash prizes (up to $500) will be selected randomly in March 2025. All entrants will receive a free digital subscription to The Keeper magazine.
The survey asks basic questions, including what species you keep, how many, in what types of enclosures, and years of experience. This survey is brought to you by Responsible Reptile Keeping (RRK).
Take the survey at https://survey.
BOA SHIRTS and NEW SWAG are now shipping!
They just arrived, so get yours now! Three styles are available, but two are very limited.
Click the image or this link to BUY NOW! https://usark.org/shop/
This screen-printed cotton/polyester blend shirt is extremely soft and wrinkle-resistant.
FREE sticker and shipping!
Adeline Robinson created the artwork at https://www.
Find A Vet
Need a good herp veterinarian? The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help. ARAV provides a free Find-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/
