Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
My son and I were looking for a new friend for him room. We really love our collared, and want to get another lizard. Just wondering if anyone knows why they are illegal to sell in Maine. And, if you can't buy them in the pet shop here, does that mean that I can't buy one on-line either? They seem like a great pet, after lurking around on this board for awhile!
Thanks for your help!
Kim

Hi Kim,

I live in NH and have heard about the laws in Maine. Apparently they don't have a restricted list, but an "unrestricted" list. For what it is worth it'll make it easier to see what you CAN own in Maine.

I do not know the sates reasoning behind it so I can't commnet, but I can give two resources/contacts who should be able to answer your questions. If you find out I'd be curious to know.

Chameleons are neat animals, but Bearded Dragons are supposed to be great pets, too and they are one that is allowed. Here's a link to the list:
www.kingsnake.com/maineherp/page0008.html

www.kingsnake.com/maineherp/

New England Herp Society

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0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 green anoles Jaida & Jetta
0.1 brown anole - Jamaica
0.2 house geckos - Gaia & Tia
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta

Some states require a permit to keep exotic species, so it may be a matter of getting the correct permit from the seller rather than not being able to keep it at all. I don't know in Maine's case though. Check with a pet store you trust that carries exotics or call state offices as they may be able to tell you how to find out what is actually required. Some states attempt to use these laws to control importation of wildcaught animals and their associated public health issues (but it doesn't usually work). Buying an animal online would be subject to the same law as trying to buy one in state. If you try to "smuggle" one in by buying online you will unintentionally make it that much harder for the rest of us to convince various states that we are responsible keepers. As for a beardie...they are great pets! Very social, active, funny, attractive. If your state allows them that's a great choice.

Not to discourage you, but chameleons are not really pets for kids... Ive seen WAY too many get mishandled, injured, and malnutritoned because kids stress them out and want to handle them all the time, etc. (i work in a petstore)

That being said, if Bearded Dragons are legal to keep in Maine, theyre an excellent pet (i breed them, so i would know , get a BD. It will be a great experince for your son to have one, and they live a long time, unlike chams, which average 5 years or less.

Good luck,
Jamie
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Jamie A. Stine and the Gang:

1.1 Bearded Dragons (Lancelot & Guenivere)
0.1 Borneo Short Tailed Python (Ezmerelda)
0.1 Red Tailed Boa (Buffy)
1.1 Cook's Tree Boas (Sharon & Ozzy)
1.0 Short Tailed O'possum (Jethro)
1.2 Guinea Pigs (Bud, Buffy, & Belinda)
1.0 Greyhound (Hank)

Save a life, adopt a retired racer!