Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am interested in a trio of spotted turtles from a man in NY. My question is, Is there any laws that would prevent me from purchasing these from NY. I'm in PA. They are Long term captives (3 years) originally collected legally from one of the southern states. I would be driving into NY to pick them up. I just don't want to get myself tangled in some game commission sting operation or something. Do I need documentation and receipts to buy these.

tepee,
This is directly out of the fish and game regulation book.
"Except for Snapping turtles, reptiles and amphibians whether dead or alive, in whole or parts, including eggs or any life stage taken within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania may NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED FOR SALE.
Except for Snapping turtles and Timber rattlesnakes, all other reptiles and amphibians( except endangered and threatened species) can be collected year round. A daily limit of 2 of any species. A yearly limit of 2 of any individual species."
So there you have it. There is no law in PA in that prohibits you from owning or importing any turtle. Unless it's on the endangered species list. The only listed endangered turtle in PA is the Bog Turtle.

Go for the spotteds and best of luck with them.
Bob, Philadelphia.

n/p

I would get a reciept anyway, just something to keep in your records should laws ever change and someone ask you how you came by the animals. Then you can show your purchase was legitimate.

ALWAYS get a reciept for ANY animal purchased, particularly turtles, since they live for decades. You never know when laws will change, or when the status of a wild species will change, so your receipt is your only chance of showing that you legally obtained an animal so it can be grandfathered if the laws change. If this person has any records on these animals, ask him for copies. If this person balks at the idea of records and receipts, I would avoid doing business.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to get these animals microchipped in the near future as well, once they have had time to acclimate and de-stress in the new environment. Dated photographs are another good idea.

You might also want to check the laws in New York state to make sure you're not breaking the laws there.

Katrina

Posted by: teepee at Mon Jun 16 19:52:24 2003 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ]

I am interested in a trio of spotted turtles from a man in NY. My question is, Is there any laws that would prevent me from purchasing these from NY. I'm in PA. They are Long term captives (3 years) originally collected legally from one of the southern states. I would be driving into NY to pick them up. I just don't want to get myself tangled in some game commission sting operation or something. Do I need documentation and receipts to buy these.