ALERT: Arkansas Regulation AmendmentsThe Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has proposed changes to its Captive Wildlife species list. Among these changes is the addition of all tegu species to the Prohibited List. Currently, some tegus (only the genus Salvator) are on the Unrestricted List. Other tegus (i.e., Colombian/Golden tegu) are currently illegal to keep without a permit. The proposal also adds fire skinks to the Unrestricted List, and Dwarf Caimans, Western Painted Turtle, and Yellow-bellied Sliders to the Permitted List, along with other changes (read more on our website alert).Anyone who currently owns a tegu (prior to April 16, 2026) will be allowed to possess only those tegus if they register them by June 30, 2027. Concerned tegu owners, and especially anyone breeding them, should voice their concerns to AGFC.
The comment deadline is March 6. Get links and more information at https://usark.org/26ar/.
Wisconsin Herp Rule Review
UPDATE 2/11/26: The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The deadline to register for public testimony and submit written comments is 11 a.m. Central on Feb. 18, 2026. Remote and in-person public testimony are allowed. Aside from allowing some additional color variants of native snakes (see pages 21-22), the proposal has not changed substantively, and you may read changes in our earlier updates. Location: State Natural Resources Building (GEF 2), 101 South Webster Street, public meeting room G09, Madison, Wisconsin Email comments to DNRNRBLiaison@wisconsin.gov
Get more details at https://usark.org/25wi/.
ALERT: Idaho Rat Ban
Two bills, S1271 and H0536, have been introduced in Idaho. Both bills address a problem with Norway and Roof rats becoming increasingly problematic throughout the state, mainly in urban areas. H0536 permits the Board of Commissioners in each county to declare these rats agricultural pests and to take all actions they deem necessary to control them. S1271 declares these rats as a health and safety nuisance, invasive species, vermin, and agricultural, health, and welfare pest. It directs the Department of Agriculture Director to implement a plan by November 1, 2026.Norway rats are the primary food source for pet, zoo, and other snakes kept under human care, in addition to other animals, including birds of prey. The concern is that the state may completely ban Norway rats, which would lead to food-sourcing and animal welfare problems.
Get full details at https://usark.org/26id/.
ALERT: Colorado Herp Rule Review
UPDATE 2/1/26: The next Commission meeting will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Westminster, 8773 Yates Dr, Westminster, 80031, on March 4-5. The comment deadline is February 27 at 12:00 pm MT. This will be the second hearing for the herp rules (details below), and the Board will likely vote at this meeting.Submit comments via the portal link at https://usark.org/25co2/.
UPDATE 1/15/26: The first hearing of the draft was today, and it was discussed as “Issues Identification.” The vote should be at the March 4-5 Commission meeting. USARK’s Phil Goss testified on behalf of responsible Colorado herpetoculturists. The National Animal Interest Alliance and a devoted field helper also testified.
Full details, links, and more at https://usark.org/25co2/.
ALERT: Powell, WY
1/27/26: Powell, Wyoming, is reviewing its animal ordinance. This will likely be about more than typical “exotic animals” (note that the definition for this term varies greatly and is determined by whatever definition a government body creates). Powell lawmakers previously came under scrutiny (and a federal lawsuit) for prohibiting a woman from keeping a domesticated animal under its “exotic animal” law, so ordinance amendments could apply to any species. There is no current formal proposal or set hearing date, but local animal owners should become engaged to prevent an overreaching ban.
Get full details at https://usark.org/26wy/.
ALERT: Orangeburg, SC
UPDATE 12/16/25: The ordinance was tabled at tonight's meeting with the motion made due to hearing concerns from many local residents. USARK's Phil Goss was there to represent responsible animal owners and received an acknowledgement from the Council, which was greatly appreciated. We value the Council's engagement and thoughtful consideration on this issue. The Council plans to have it on the February 17 agenda. Thank you to all of those who voiced their concern.
More details at https://usark.org/25sc2/.
Endangered Species Act Amendments
Amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) have been proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) through rulemaking.There are four proposed changes (snippet below): Threatened species protections (50 CFR part 17; section 4(d)): Eliminate the “blanket rule” option and require species-specific 4(d) rules tailored to each threatened species. This approach reflects the best interpretation of the statute under Loper Bright and ensures that protections are necessary and appropriate to conserve each species without imposing unnecessary restrictions on others. It also aligns service policy with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NOAA) long-standing species-specific approach...Read more at https://usark.org/25esa4/.
ALERT UPDATE: Borneo Earless Monitor ESA Listing
Posted August 13: On August 14, 2025, FWS will open a comment period on the proposed rule to list the Borneo earless monitor ( Lanthanotus borneensis) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Previous comments need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Full details at https://usark.org/25esa2/.
ALERT UPDATE: Blue Tree Monitor ESA Listing Get full details at https://usark.org/25esa1/. The emergency rule ended on August 25, 2025. Breeders can currently ship blue tree monitors. We will notify our members of changes or when the final rule is posted by FWS.
ALERT: Southern Hognose ESA Listing Posted 8/28/25: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has proposed to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). FWS has found that the southern hognose faces serious threats from habitat loss and degradation as a result of land conversion and fragmentation, causing loss of connectivity between populations, road mortality, invasive species (red ants, feral hogs, and cogongrass), and climate change.
Full details at https://usark.org/25esa3/.
Find A Vet Need 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.
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