For those of you keeping or planning to keep Mexican beaded lizards in Ca, you can relax. The Department of Fish and Game and the Fish and Game Commission decided NOT to change the the restricted species list to include all members of the genus Heloderma. Mexican beaded lizards remain legal to possess, transport and import in California.
This did not happen by magic and thanks are due to several sources.
USARK provided money for a lobbist in Sacramento and meetings between DFG, the lobbist and USARK were probably most instrumental in preventing this change.
Our lawyer, Patrick Ciocca, who didn't receive enough time to present to the Commission or money to do the work, did an outstanding job - above and beyond the call.
And most importantly, everyone who wrote the Commission and presented at Commission meetings.
Excellent job for an excellent outcome.
