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we have had many issues with members failing to update their accounts, resulting in shirts being shipped to outdated addresses.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.

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NEW Uromastyx Shirts! Get yours now.

Hot off the Press! Get yours now at www.usark.org/shop.
This screen-printed cotton/polyester blend shirt is extremely soft and wrinkle-resistant. FREE sticker & shipping!
Adeline Robinson Art created the artwork www.adelinerobinsonart.com.

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ALERT: Grand Junction, CO

Get more information at https://usark.org/26co/.

Grand Junction, Colorado, is modifying its animal ordinance primarily to reflect the transfer of animal control services from Mesa County to the city, following Mesa County’s notification that it would no longer provide those services. Much of the ordinance remains the same, but there are some additions to species prohibitions and license fees. Anyone with pets in the city should review. There is no listed grandfather clause for current owners whose species will be banned. This will be introduced at the June 17 meeting, with a public hearing on July 1. For reptile owners, it includes a ban on lizards over 3', which includes some tree monitors and many other species.

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ALERT: ESA Listing for Southern Hognose
UPDATE 6/8/26: If you work with this species, please email info@usark.org. The new comment period has opened and ends on July 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. The public meeting will be held virtually (online) on June 25.

UPDATE 6/5/26: This update will be posted in the Federal Register on June 8. FWS is reopening the comment period for 30 days on the proposed rule to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

Public hearing: On June 25, 2026, FWS will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The public hearing will allow an opportunity to present verbal testimony.

Full details, meeting registration link, and more at https://usark.org/25esa3/.

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ALERT: Rhode Island
UPDATE: Tegus were removed from this rule change. Thank you to the dedicated herpetoculturists who spoke at the hearing and emailed DEM. UPDATE 5/12/26: The hearing was tonight. Twelve dedicated herpetoculturists attended, and five spoke in opposition to the proposal. No one appeared in support. The speakers did a tremendous job representing responsible herpetoculturists. Phil Goss was there to represent USARK and our members. While this is a permitting system, the requirements are extremely burdensome and completely unfair to current owners. It could prove to be a de facto ban if permits are not issued for any reason at the agency's discretion. The agency representatives tonight were very receptive, and we appreciate their time, but they were with a separate department from that overseeing these permits. Comments are allowed until May 20.

Full details at https://usark.org/26ri/.

ALERT: Pennington County, SDUPDATE: 4/21/26: The Commissioners voted not to pass the broad ban on “exotic” and undomesticated animals. Thank you to all local residents and experts who relayed their opposition and education on this matter.

Pennington County in South Dakota has proposed a ban on all non-domesticated animals. This would ban most species kept as pets, including aquarium fish, parrots, reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, and more. The ordinance also specifically bans any “nondomestic animal.” While this extreme ban may not be the intent, the language used bans most animals. This has a final vote on April 21, so local residents need to contact officials immediately and, if possible, attend the meeting.Meeting: Tuesday, April 21 at 9:00 AM, Commission Chambers in the County Administration Building, 900 Concourse Drive, Rapid City, SD

Get more details and email information at https://usark.org/26sd/.

NEW SHIRTS!We now have this design in adult and youth sizes! Get yours now at https://usark.org/shop/.Artwork by Adeline Robinson Art.

ALERT: WisconsinUpdate: UPDATE 5/18/25: Despite receiving opposition to some of the new regulations from state legislators, DNR moved forward with regulations that ban possession of all native species, including captive-bred animals (except for three “color variants”), and the use of common equipment while field herping.

More information at https://usark.org/25wi/.

Other Alerts and NewsAlways posted and updated athttps://usark.org/.

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.

ALERT: Grand Junction, CO

Get more information at https://usark.org/26co/.

Grand Junction, Colorado, is modifying its animal ordinance primarily to reflect the transfer of animal control services from Mesa County to the city, following Mesa County’s notification that it would no longer provide those services. Much of the ordinance remains the same, but there are some additions to species prohibitions and license fees. Anyone with pets in the city should review. There is no listed grandfather clause for current owners whose species will be banned. This will be introduced at the June 17 meeting, with a public hearing on July 1. For reptile owners, it includes a ban on lizards over 3', which includes some tree monitors and many other species.

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ALERT: ESA Listing for Southern Hognose
UPDATE 6/8/26: If you work with this species, please email info@usark.org. The new comment period has opened and ends on July 8, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. The public meeting will be held virtually (online) on June 25.

UPDATE 6/5/26: This update will be posted in the Federal Register on June 8. FWS is reopening the comment period for 30 days on the proposed rule to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

Public hearing: On June 25, 2026, FWS will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The public hearing will allow an opportunity to present verbal testimony.

Full details, meeting registration link, and more at https://usark.org/25esa3/.

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ALERT: Rhode Island
UPDATE: Tegus were removed from this rule change. Thank you to the dedicated herpetoculturists who spoke at the hearing and emailed DEM. UPDATE 5/12/26: The hearing was tonight. Twelve dedicated herpetoculturists attended, and five spoke in opposition to the proposal. No one appeared in support. The speakers did a tremendous job representing responsible herpetoculturists. Phil Goss was there to represent USARK and our members. While this is a permitting system, the requirements are extremely burdensome and completely unfair to current owners. It could prove to be a de facto ban if permits are not issued for any reason at the agency's discretion. The agency representatives tonight were very receptive, and we appreciate their time, but they were with a separate department from that overseeing these permits. Comments are allowed until May 20.

Full details at https://usark.org/26ri/.

ALERT: Pennington County, SDUPDATE: 4/21/26: The Commissioners voted not to pass the broad ban on “exotic” and undomesticated animals. Thank you to all local residents and experts who relayed their opposition and education on this matter.

Pennington County in South Dakota has proposed a ban on all non-domesticated animals. This would ban most species kept as pets, including aquarium fish, parrots, reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, and more. The ordinance also specifically bans any “nondomestic animal.” While this extreme ban may not be the intent, the language used bans most animals. This has a final vote on April 21, so local residents need to contact officials immediately and, if possible, attend the meeting.Meeting: Tuesday, April 21 at 9:00 AM, Commission Chambers in the County Administration Building, 900 Concourse Drive, Rapid City, SD

Get more details and email information at https://usark.org/26sd/.

NEW SHIRTS!Check out our newest adult USARK shirt! We also have it in youth sizes! They are available now! Get yours now at https://usark.org/shop/.Thank you to Adeline Robinson Art for the design!

ALERT: WisconsinUpdate: UPDATE 5/18/25: Despite receiving opposition to some of the new regulations from state legislators, DNR moved forward with regulations that ban possession of all native species, including captive-bred animals (except for three “color variants”), and the use of common equipment while field herping.

More information at https://usark.org/25wi/.

Other Alerts and NewsAlways posted and updated athttps://usark.org/.

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.

ALERT: Rhode Island
UPDATE: Tegus were removed from this rule change. Thank you to the dedicated herpetoculturists who spoke at the hearing and emailed DEM. UPDATE 5/12/26: The hearing was tonight. Twelve dedicated herpetoculturists attended, and five spoke in opposition to the proposal. No one appeared in support. The speakers did a tremendous job representing responsible herpetoculturists. Phil Goss was there to represent USARK and our members. While this is a permitting system, the requirements are extremely burdensome and completely unfair to current owners. It could prove to be a de facto ban if permits are not issued for any reason at the agency's discretion. The agency representatives tonight were very receptive, and we appreciate their time, but they were with a separate department from that overseeing these permits. Comments are allowed until May 20.

Full details at https://usark.org/26ri/.

ALERT: ESA Listing for Southern HognoseUPDATE 6/5/26: This update will be posted in the Federal Register on June 8. FWS is reopening the comment period for 30 days on the proposed rule to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

Public hearing: On June 25, 2026, FWS will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The public hearing will allow an opportunity to present verbal testimony.

Full details, meeting registration link, and more at https://usark.org/25esa3/.

ALERT: Pennington County, SDUPDATE: 4/21/26: The Commissioners voted not to pass the broad ban on “exotic” and undomesticated animals. Thank you to all local residents and experts who relayed their opposition and education on this matter.

Pennington County in South Dakota has proposed a ban on all non-domesticated animals. This would ban most species kept as pets, including aquarium fish, parrots, reptiles, amphibians, hedgehogs, and more. The ordinance also specifically bans any “nondomestic animal.” While this extreme ban may not be the intent, the language used bans most animals. This has a final vote on April 21, so local residents need to contact officials immediately and, if possible, attend the meeting.Meeting: Tuesday, April 21 at 9:00 AM, Commission Chambers in the County Administration Building, 900 Concourse Drive, Rapid City, SD

Get more details and email information at https://usark.org/26sd/.

NEW SHIRTS!Check out our newest adult USARK shirt! We also have it in youth sizes! They are available now! Get yours now at https://usark.org/shop/.Thank you to Adeline Robinson Art for the design!

ALERT: WisconsinUpdate: UPDATE 5/18/25: Despite receiving opposition to some of the new regulations from state legislators, DNR moved forward with regulations that ban possession of all native species, including captive-bred animals (except for three “color variants”), and the use of common equipment while field herping.

More information at https://usark.org/25wi/.

Other Alerts and NewsAlways posted and updated athttps://usark.org/.

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.