Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Georgia and I have had a baby eastern box turtle that I rescued from my yard. He's been in my care for a little over a year now and people are telling me that I can be prosecuted for keeping native animals. Is this true? I am going to release him anyways next spring. I have seen thousands of them in my lifetime so I know they are not endangered in any way.

Yes. All native Georgia herps (except venomous ones) are protected within the state. This includes common animals like Corn Snakes, Box Turtles, Green Anoles, etc.

Tim

This link has more information: www.georgiawildlife.com/node/1201

Third Eye

Can't you get a permit in Georgia? I live in NY and get a permit/license and renew it every year.

Beats me, I live in Ohio. We have permits here...and PIT tagging...and inspections. From what I understand on the website, Georgia does not allow the listed animals to be kept as pets, period.

Tim

To address you last statement: box turtles have some measure of legal protection in nearly every state to which they are native, whether they are listed as endangered, threatened, protected, species of special concern, or simply listed as non-game.

So, there are regulations in place for possession and collection in every state to which the species is native.

Please acquaint yourself with the regulations before 'rescuing' and animal that may be better off without your help.

Ok. thanks