The original NARBC is this weekend!
NARBC will draw thousands of herp enthusiasts from across the globe to Tinley Park, Illinois, this weekend. This show is always one of the most anticipated, thanks to its great atmosphere and genuine camaraderie. Thanks to Brian and Bob for their continued support of USARK! If you want to volunteer for USARK this weekend, email vanessa@usark.org.

The Saturday night auction is always huge. Stick around after the show to support the herp community. The auction has both live and silent portions, so there are opportunities for everyone. Show attendees can come and hang out with the vendors while enjoying the always-amusing antics performed by Brian Potter.
Friday: Setup and VIP only
Saturday: 10:00-5:00 (VIP early entry)
Auction: 6:00 PM Saturday in the show convention center (room opens at 5:00 or ASAP after the show for preview)
Sunday: 11:00-4:00 (VIP at 10:00 AM)
Location:
Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive
Tinley Park, IL 60477
More information athttps://www.narbc.com/.
AUCTION NOTES: There will be adult-oriented language and shenanigans at the auction. While everyone is welcome, parents should be advised if bringing children. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available. You must buy tickets at the auction door to be admitted.

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ALERT: Puerto Rico

This is only a snippet. Full details at https://usark.org/26pr/.
Puerto Rico introduced PC1453, titled the “Special Moratorium Law for Exotic Animals.” Per the bill, “exotic animal” means species that are not part of the native or migratory flora or fauna of Puerto Rico (or all animals and plants not native to Puerto Rico).
This bill will:

1. Impose a 5-year moratorium (which may be extended) on the importation, introduction, sale, reproduction, and transfer of exotic animals in Puerto Rico;
2. Create the Scientific & Animal Welfare Committee on Alien Species to develop a strategy before the moratorium ends; and
3. Establish limited exceptions (for scientific, conservation, veterinary, educational, or public safety purposes) and a voluntary surrender program;
4. Allow current, legally held animals to be possessed through a Transitory Registry, requiring owners to register their animals within 180 days of the registry’s availability;
5. Create penalties for violations, including fines ranging from $500 to $25,000 per animal, depending on the infraction.

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ALERT: Maryland Herp Regulations
Alert on website at https://usark.org/26md/.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has been working on changes to the state’s herp regulations. MDNR staff has already presented one proposal at several meetings to ban the possession of all native Maryland herps, including captive-bred animals. There is no timeline yet, but a formal proposal is expected to happen at any time. All Maryland stakeholders are encouraged to join the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Charitable Trust (MAARC) Facebook group for updates. You can request to join the group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1971574380136788/. MDNR already regulates the possession, breeding, and sale of native herps through permits and licenses. Many species are protected and not allowed to be possessed.The Maryland Herp Club (previously called the Maryland Herpetological Society) provided MDNR’s herpetologist with a 25-page set of recommendations and regulatory changes that agree to some amendments to Maryland’s herp regulations, but not a broad-sweeping ban. The Herp Club’s recommendations rejected the possession ban on all Maryland native species and provided evidence to discredit the biased reasoning behind the proposed bans.

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ALERT: Diamondback Terrapin ESA Listing
More information at https://usark.org/26esa2/.

UPDATE July 14, 2026: Comments may be submitted by clicking “SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT” at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/14/2026-14098/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-90-day-findings-for-10-species.

July 13, 2026: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will post a notice in the Federal Register tomorrow (July 14) at(LINK ABOVE). The notice contains the 90-day findings for 10 species, including the Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), which are proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act. This is separate from the NOAA alert we posted regarding this species. FWS has concluded that the submitted petition presents substantial information indicating that listing the diamondback terrapin as a threatened or endangered species may be warranted.
USARK is collecting information from breeders, keepers, and dealers concerning captive population numbers and production. Please email us at info@usark.org if you work with Diamondback terrapins.
Read the document at https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/26-diamonback-terrapin-90-day-findings.pdf.

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ALERT: California Rattlesnakes

UPDATE: The Commission has posted a Notice of Proposed Change regarding rattlesnakes. Comment deadline: December 3, 2026. By email to FGC@fgc.ca.gov. Written comments to Fish and Game Commission, PO Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090.
Two hearings are scheduled: California Natural Resources Building, 715 P Street, Sacramento, California, on October 13-15, 2026, and East End Complex Auditorium, 1500 Capitol Ave., Sacramento, CA 95814, on December 15-16, 2026.
The California Fish and Game Commission will discuss regulations on commercial use and possession of native rattlesnakes. This would include rattlesnake-avoidance training for dogs (which is a popular course), educational outreach programs, as well as all other businesses and possession.

More details athttps://usark.org/26ca/.

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NEW SHIRTS

Our new Gargoyle gecko shirts are now available online! Order yours at https://usark.org/shop/. We will have them at NARBC this weekend, too.

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Two important notes for members and merchandise shoppers

1. Renewal memberships require a follow-up email from you to receive your shirt(s);
2. PLEASE update your mailing addresses for all payment methods (credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.).
Read below for reasons.

1. After you renew your USARK membership, you will receive an email with instructions for getting your shirt. Many members do not read this email, or it may end up in a SPAM folder. Unfortunately, we have had many issues with members failing to update their accounts, resulting in shirts being shipped to outdated addresses. After renewing your membership, simply follow the instructions in the email with the subject line "OPEN if you renewed your membership!" If you are a renewing member with questions, email us at info@usark.org.

2. For any online payment method you use, be sure to update your mailing address if you move. These online payment methods often autofill your address, which may be obsolete. Many customers who visit our shop have not noticed this autofill and get upset with us when their shipments go to the wrong address, even though the wrong address was entered with their order. Be sure your address is correct for any orders with us or any other online purchase.

Thank you to all members and USARK merchandise buyers for your support and understanding.

Find A VetNeed a good herp veterinarian? The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help. ARAV provides a free Find-A-Vet service at http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661.