Reptile & Amphibian Forums

One idea I thought about for those writing press articles, there is no need to go at it only "No picking up reptiles from the road" Let the public know that cannot pick up ANYTHING! All wounded animals found along the roadside must now legally be left to suffer or get run over. Bunnies, squirrels, raccoons, and other cute furry animals, even birds will be affected by this bill.

I'm not sure, but does anyone know if there will be an impact on birding. I've been with a few birding groups that would pull over to the side of the road to look at birds

I'm not sure, but does anyone know if there will be an impact on birding. I've been with a few birding groups that would pull over to the side of the road to look at birds

Looking at birds doesn't count as hunting, therefore this law will not impact birders.
By the same token, this law does not make it illegal to herp along the roadside as long as herping is just looking and taking photos. If you have a bag or tongs, etc., then it could be construed that you were intending to collect, i.e. hunting.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

It is in truth very hard to get a conviction on intent alone. It is like writing tickets for sports cars because the intend to speed with them.

The bad thing though is that you may end up being drawn into a situation where you have to defend yourself against charges based on intent. And even though you are likely to win the case the battle is never cheap, missed time at work, expenses, etc...