ST. GEORGE — The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is asking for the public’s feedback on a new proposal that would simplify the process that allows people to collect, possess and breed nonvenomous native reptiles and amphibians caught in the wild.
Utah is home to 61 native species of reptiles and 15 native species of amphibians.
According to a press release from the DWR, people who are interested in collecting, possessing or breeding native amphibians and reptiles are currently required to obtain a certificate of registration, which can involve a complicated, lengthy and sometimes expensive process. Most of the highly sought-after native species in Utah are categorized as either “controlled” or “prohibited.”
“This proposal was a result of reptile and amphibian enthusiasts wanting easier access, bag limits and a permit to be able to use this natural resource,” DWR native species coordinator Drew Dittmer said in the press release. “They wanted to be able to take and engage with these species in a sustainable way and wanted to simplify the process and make it more approachable for the public.”
Under the proposal, people interested in taking home a nonvenomous reptile or amphibian found in the wild would be required to take an online education course, which would cover the laws, safety considerations and conservation ethics. The education course certificate would be valid for three years. People would also be required to obtain a permit online.
However, people would still not be allowed to collect sensitive species, including the Gila monster, Mohave desert tortoise, Arizona toad, western boreal toad, relict leopard frog and Columbia spotted frog.
Another new change in the proposal would set a bag limit for the number of reptiles and amphibians that could be collected. The bag limit categories vary from species to species and include the following options:
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Limited: two yearly bag limit with four total in a person’s possession at one time.
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Standard: three yearly bag limit with nine total in a person’s possession at one time.
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Expanded: 25 yearly limit.
While this proposal is similar to existing laws in other states, the DWR is including a unique rule that would require people who collect reptiles and amphibians to report online where they found the animals. This will help biologists study the activity and distribution of many of the native species.
“There isn’t a good way right now to know how many there are of several of these species,” Dittmer said. “The online community science reporting is exciting and is the biggest thing I’m looking forward to with this new proposal. There are people out there who already monitor reptiles and amphibians in their spare time, so requiring them to report it will give us data that will help us better manage these species.”
If the Utah Wildlife Board approves the proposal, it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.
If someone is interested in collecting and possessing venomous reptiles like rattlesnakes, they would still be required to get a certificate of registration. There is also a minimum age requirement of 18 years old. However, even with a certificate of registration, people would be required to follow their city ordinances to make sure they can legally keep venomous reptiles. Nonnative venomous species would still not be allowed in Utah without obtaining a variance from the Utah Wildlife Board.
Map of wild turkey transplant sites for next 5 years
DWR is also proposing new wild turkey transplant sites for the next five years. There are between 25,000-35,000 wild turkeys in Utah, and part of the management plan includes improving hunting opportunities and decreasing human/turkey conflicts, which sometimes necessitates turkeys being trapped and relocated.
The map-based proposal identifies 267 locations where turkeys could be relocated. Of the proposed released sites, 210 would be adding to existing turkey populations and 57 would be new areas for turkeys.
The DWR has trapped and relocated about 10,000 turkeys over the last 10 years. Recording the transplant sites is required by state law, and in the past they were tracked in a list format. However, DWR felt that a map format would be better because it is more detailed.
“Some of the areas where these birds are transplanted are very big, so using a map allows us to be more specific, rather than using a text list,” DWR upland game wildlife coordinator Dax Mangus said. “These transplanted birds either bolster existing turkey populations or start new populations in an area, and these maps will help us better track them.”
Give feedback
The DWR is asking for the public’s feedback on both of these proposals. You can share your thoughts and feedback at your Regional Advisory Council meeting or by emailing the council member for your area. The contact information for members is available here.
Event details
- What: Regional Advisory Council meeting for the Southern Region.
- When: Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m.
- Where: Beaver City Center at 30 W. 300 North.
- Cost: Free.
Email: [email protected]
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