DNR Proposes Changes To Reptile And Amphibian Regulations

---

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing changes to the existing Reptile and Amphibian Possession and Permit regulations as published in the January 4, 2008 issue of the Maryland Register.

“We are proposing modifying the regulations related to the possession, breeding and commercial trade of reptiles and amphibians native to Maryland,” said Paul Peditto, Director of the DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service.

The current proposed regulation changes are revisions based upon public comments received on the original proposal published in the September 14, 2007 issue of the Maryland Register.

Changes being proposed include the addition of six aquatic turtles to the list of regulated species: eastern painted turtle, midland painted turtle, eastern mud turtle, northern red-bellied cooter, stinkpot and diamond-backed terrapin. In addition, and consistent with public comment, breeding of captive turtles will be permitted by DNR. Last year, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation that prohibits the commercial take of diamond-backed terrapins in Maryland, but allows for the possession and breeding of this species with a permit. Other aquatic turtles will be treated similarly.

In addition to these changes, several other currently regulated species of reptiles and amphibians will be subjected to additional restrictions because of conservation concerns for those species. To see the complete listing of proposed changes, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/proposedcaptive.asp.

Comments may be sent to Glenn Therres, Associate Director, DNR Wildlife & Heritage service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-260-8540 (phone), 410-260-8596 (fax) or gtherres@dnr.state.md.us. Comments will be accepted through February 4, 2008.

---

January 10, 2008

Contact: Olivia Campbell 410-260-8016 office I 410-507-7525 cell ocampbell@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov