Reptile & Amphibian Forums

just wanna know what the laws are for a snapping turtle in pa thanks Drew

Snapping turtles possesion in PA actually falls under the laws and guidlines of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commision. "A fishing licence is required by any person age 16 or older to take or possess reptiles or amphibians in the Commonwealth. Except for snapping turtles, reptiles and amphibians taken from the Commonwealth may not be sold or offered for sale. It is illegal to disturb reptile nests or eggs." -- The Pittsburg Herpetological Society website. This is something I was unaware of myself until I saw your question. The Pittsburg Herpetological Society (PHS) is a great source for information in PA. Check out http://trfn.clpgh.org/phs/fish.html and http://www.fish.state.pa.us/ for more information! There are seasonal limits asscociated with the taking of wild reptiles and amphibians in the commonwealth. I hope this helps!
Turtle Guy In PA

The actual regulation says "A fishing license is required by persons age 16 and older to take all reptiles and amphibians from Commonwealth waters."2003 Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing regulations and Laws, page 28) So, a license would be required to take a snapping turtle from the water, but not one crossing the road. Apparently terrestrial reptiles and amphibians though covered by Fish and Boat regulations, do not fall under the license requirement.

There is a season (July 31 - October 31), a daily limit of 15, and a possession limit of 30, for snapping turtles. They may be sold for food but if sold as pets probably fall under the 1972 statute prohibiting the sale of turtles without testing to show they are salmonella free.