This is not correct.

The state of California DOES NOT regulate beaded lizards (Heloderma horridum ssp.). As far as the state of California is concerned, no permit is needed to keep, breed, buy or sell them, and there is no limit on numbers in possession, nor are you required to keep purchase or sale records (though you may want to do that for your own purposes). They were considering adding them to the restricted species list last year, but a group of local keepers, with the assistance of an attorney and USARK were successful in getting them to drop the idea. CDFG was approached about the subject in a professional manner, and they responded in a very reasonable way. It is unlikely that the matter will ever come up again.

Chris is correct on the gila monsters. A permit (which is VERY difficult to obtain) is required, and only reticulated gilas can be kept since bandeds occur here and are protected.

All that being said, there may be city or county restrictions on keeping venomous reptiles that you would need to comply with. Each city and county is different. Some have regs some don't, some are easy to work with, some not so much. You will have to check into your local government regs yourself. Most cities and countys have websites you can check for this information.

Sam

>>Short answer is Yes. You need a permit and can only keep beaded lizards and reticulated gila monsters (not bandeds).
>>
>>Hopefully someone from CA will chime in with more details.
>>
>>-Chris
>>-----
>>Christopher E. Smith
>>Contact
>>Captive Bred Herps
>>Wildlife Research & Consulting Services, LLC

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