Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Jan. 14 to discuss adding three species of exotic wildlife, including hermit crabs, to the state’s list of noncontrolled species. A “noncontrolled species,” as defined by the state, may be possessed or sold as pets in Montana without a permit.

The three species slated to be considered by the commission for inclusion on the list are: Terrestrial hermit crab (Coenobita sp.), Eritrea clawed frog (Xenopus clivii) and Cameroon volcano frog (Xenopus amieti).

According to the notice announcing the hearing, the state’s classification review committee has evaluated these species and determined that they pose a “minimal threat” to Montana’s native wildlife or plant species, livestock, horticultural, forestry, agricultural production or human health and safety.

Members of the public may submit comments either verbally or in writing at the hearing, which is set for 6 p.m. at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ office in Helena, Mont.

Written comments also may be mailed to FWP Exotics, Fisheries, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, faxed to 406-444-4952 or emailed to fwpexotics@mt.gov. The deadline to submit a written comment is Jan. 21.

http://www.petproductnews.com/headlines/2010/01/08/montana-seeks-public-comment-on-classification-of-three-exotic-species.aspx

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• Montana Seeks Public Input on 3 species - EricWI, Thu Jan 14 19:05:19 2010