ALERT: ESA Listing for Southern Hognose
UPDATE 6/8/26: If you work with this species and are interested in speaking at the public meeting or submitting a comment, 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/.
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/.
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/.
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