ALERT: Texas "Controlled Exotic Snake" Permits
Read more at
https://usark.org/26tx/.A permit (the requirement passed in 2007) is required from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to possess certain snake species. There are recreational and commercial “Controlled Exotic Snake” permits. Read the FAQ at
https://tpwd.texas.gov/faq/business/permits/nonindigenous_snakes/index.phtml. TPWD has proposed an amendment that requires permittees to notify the local “animal control authority” to obtain this permit.
From TPWD: The proposed amendment to §55.651, concerning Definitions, would define “animal control authority” as “the local governmental entity responsible for regulating and/or enforcing laws applicable to the possession, control, welfare, and disposition of animals.” The department has received numerous requests from various law enforcement and first-responder entities for assistance in identifying places and locations where persons may be holding dangerous exotic snakes, because first-responders find it helpful to know about the possibility of encountering such animals in the course of their duties, and because there may be local ordinances and laws that apply to such situations… As noted earlier in this preamble, the department believes it is prudent to create a mechanism for first responders to be aware of situations in which captive dangerous snakes are present and could be encountered. To do so, the proposed amendment would establish a notification requirement and specify criteria for determining compliance.”
Comments may be emailed to
kevin.winters@tpwd.texas.gov. For further information, call TPWD at (512) 389-4775.
ALERT: Mobile, ALUPDATE 8/4/26: The City Council decided to table this issue. They will hold a committee meeting on 8/25 and possibly discuss this again at their 9/1 meeting. Special thanks to Bill and Sally Trufant from B & B Pet Stop, and Anna Bush, President of Friends of Mobile Animal Shelter, for being local residents who spoke at the meeting.
Get full details and sample messaging at
https://usark.org/26mobile/.
The Mobile City Council has proposed a new animal ordinance. Local stakeholders should engage in the process and monitor this issue. While no broad ban is proposed, there could be serious implications for animal owners, especially those who do animal outreach. This is scheduled to be discussed at the August 4 City Council meeting.
Among the potential problems, all snakes, non-domesticated animals, and some dog breeds and mixes will be labeled as "high-risk animals." High-risk animals will not be banned, but they must be "under physical restraint" at all times. This means that they must be "controlled by a physical leash, chain, cord, or similar means." If an educator takes a corn snake or tortoise (as all reptiles are non-domesticated) to a program, that animal needs to be on a leash or similar device per the proposed language. While likely an oversight, this poses a problem.
ALERT: Leon Valley, TX
UPDATE 8/4/26: The Council approved the zoo exemptions. Local residents who have issues with the current ordinance should continue contacting lawmakers.
More information at
https://usark.org/leon/.Leon Valley is amending its animal ordinance to allow some exceptions for certain animal possession, such as zoos and veterinary offices. This would be a good time for residents to address problems that they have with the current ordinance. The city already has pet limits. One pet limit bans anyone from having more than six animals in any combination, and not more than four dogs and cats in total (i.e., 3 cats and 2 dogs would be illegal without a permit). This applies to aquarium fish, birds, reptiles, and all other animals if you live on a lot less than one acre. Larger properties have different pet limits. A permit is available to have more than the limit of dogs, cats, and chickens, but not other animals. Read more at
https://usark.org/leon/.
Meeting info: Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 6:30 PM, Leon Valley City Council Chambers, 6400 El Verde Road, Leon Valley, TX 78238
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.
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.
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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