Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Not sure if I was more amused or irritated by this. I was coincidentally looking at my county's handgun laws, here is an exception clause (my capitalization for emphasis):

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(b) Miscellaneous Exceptions. None of the provisions of this
article shall apply to law enforcement officers or members of the armed forces acting in the line of duty; to the shooting or killing of any dangerous or destructive ANIMAL OR REPTILE when necessary to protect life or property; to the taking of birds or animals pursuant to G.S. Chapter 113, Subchapter IV, as it is from time to time amended, or pursuant to a lawfully issued federal permit; to the use of firearms for defense of person
or property; or the use of firearms pursuant to lawful directions oflaw enforcement officers.
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Are reptiles not animals? I wonder why they singled out reptiles?

This kind of wording is typical in law books. Usually at the beginning of the law/act/whatever they have a list of definitions, and frequently "animal" only refers to mammals and birds. Thus, reptiles must be mentioned specifically, as they are not "animals" according to the definition laid out. Here is an example from my state, West Virginia.

§20-1-2. Definitions.
"Wild animals" means all mammals native to the State of West Virginia occurring either in a natural state or in captivity, except house mice or rats.

"Wildlife" means wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish (including minnows,) reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait, whether dead or alive

Following this example, for instance, terrestrial insects would not be considered wildlife, and herps would not be wild animals. Silly and a bit aggravating--of course, it's governement.

Not only do people think reptiles are not animals but I have found that a lot of people dont know what a "tortoise" is! People that work for airlines and others that should know like teachers,first responders, news reporters. I have to mark my tortoise shipments "live turtles" just to be sure handlers get a hint that its a LIVE parcel. Maybe I should mark it FISH. Ask around you'll be shocked. Kind of like Jay Leno's bit on TV where folks in Collage dont know ..it! VM