Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is the spectacled caimen restricted only to Florida sales? Or can states outside of Florida purchase to have them shipped as babies or juvies? Is there restrictions on buying them in Florida and takeing them out of state. Just need some info. I am looking to get either a dwarf, or or a spec. my preference is the spec. I just think thy look a little more like a true croc than a dwarf that's all. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim

Actually as far as out of state laws go, you have to check crocodilian laws in the state you are looking to move to...As far as florida goes, You need a crocodilian permit to buy any of the species you are looking at..The requirements are, 1000 hours of PROVEN Crocodilian experience with the species you are looking to get, Plus 2 written letters of reference from the people who trained you...Then the fun part, the Florida wildlife and freshwater fish commission pays you a visit and checks out the setup and your location plus ask's you a lot of exciting questions...They are tough and they expect snappy answers..Permits cost $100.00 IF approved...Still want a caimen?

yes I do still want a caimen, you answered my question about Florida purchases (which I though only applied to Fl. residents, but I guess I was wrong). I know my state laws, I live in OH, no restrictions or permits needed here. I have experience with other large herps such as large nile and blackthroat monitors, as well as large snapping turtles. I visit this forum all the time, post once in a while, and I know what a croc needs.

My main question was whether or not I would be able to...for example, buy a spec. caimen from Texas and have it shipped to Ohio?

Tim

I own a spectacled caiman...I live in Pennsylvania. It gets tricky when you transport crocodilians across state lines...each state has different rules regarding crocodilians so you have to plan carefully. Your best bet would be to find a spectacled caimen locally. The transport can be done,but it's a real hassle - hope this helped, Drewsky

A couple of years ago, the USFWS put commons and browns on the endangered species list due to similarity of appearance to Yacare and also because they are considered an invasive species now that they have taken up residence in south Florida. This effectively shutdown the imports of these species becuase of the paperwork required and the difficulty getting approvals (essentially not possible for the pet trade).

The Federal laws only pertain to what comes into the country and what is transported from state to state - and is in effect regardless of state laws. Any animals that were already in the country and remain in thier "home" state, or animals that have been captive bred and are sold within the same state are not controlled. Any animals of these species that are sold, traded, bartered etc. across state lines have to have the proper paperwork or it's a violation of the Lacey Act (interstate trade and transportation of endangered species) and getting cause would result in serious trouble. All this can be found at the USFWS website in the laws section. You can, however, transport the animals if you are NOT selling, trading, bartering, or in any other way receiving anything of value for the animal. Keeping proper paperwork is essential. While it would be up to the Fed to prove your guilt, it could be a long, expensive road for a private individual to have to defend themselves.

People often refer to the fact that they see ads in the classifieds selling them. These people are either ignorant of the laws or are banking on the fact the the USFWS is understaffed and therefor will not likely catch them. I think it boils down to that old Clint Eastwood line "Do you feel lucky...?"

I hope this is now cleared up for you.

Bill

I've never had much luck with "luck," so I'll check local and let Clint Eastwood win this one.

Thanks,
Tim