West Virginia state law issues - Page 2 - FaunaClassifieds
FaunaClassifieds  
  Tired of those Google and InfoLink ads? Upgrade Your Membership!
  Inside FaunaClassifieds » Photo Gallery  
 

Go Back   FaunaClassifieds > Laws, Legislative Issues & Alerts > USA State Specific Issues

Notices

USA State Specific Issues Issues that are specific to a particular state, or subregion within a state, should be appended to the existing relevant thread. NEW threads cannot be created in this forum.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-26-2013, 11:20 AM   #11
Tobyyy_Twiztid
That is because there are NO large constrictor snakes in WV anywhere. No where in our state do we have a sustainable climate for them. Any snake not native to the area would die immediately here. I've seen it go from 95 degrees to 33 degrees within 12 hours here in the E Panhandle. Which would mean instant death for and "invasive" species of larger constrictor. These animals are localized to areas like Florida, etc. Because of constant warm climate. Have you ever turned all heating off to your snakes of ANY species here in WV? HELL NO they would instantly either DIE or get insanely sick probably with a R.I which lets face it can mean death a lot of times anyway. All these laws about reptile ownership are all based on IRRESPONSIBLE owners actions. Not the actions of responsible parties who care about their animals.
 
Old 05-26-2013, 06:35 PM   #12
bcr229
All good points. Also, even if a few snakes did survive outside for a few months, they wouldn't be able to migrate very far as the water in our spring-fed streams and rivers is danged COLD even in at the height of summer.
 
Old 08-09-2013, 11:41 PM   #13
zooherper
ATTN: NEW STATE REGS TO GO IN EFFECT JAN 1 2014

New state regs regarding native WV species approved in April go into effect January 1 2014:

REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN REGULATIONS

TITLE 58
LEGISLATIVE RULE
BUREAU OF COMMERCE
DIVISION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SERIES XX
REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN REGULATIONS
(EXEMPT RULE)



58-XX-1. General.
1.1. Scope – These regulations establish possession limits on reptiles and amphibians in West Virginia.

1.2.​Authority – WV Code §20-1-17(7).

1.3.​Filing Date –

1.4.​Effective Date –

1.5.​Possession Limits in General – All possession limits, unless otherwise noted, are statewide and subject to change under the provisions of WV Code §20-1-17(7).

1.6.​For the purpose of this rule, only bona fide WV residents are permitted to take and/or possess reptile and amphibian species listed as those that can be taken.

1.7.​WV Fishing License – A valid WV fishing license is required to take aquatic life as prescribed in WV Code §20-2-27.

1.7.1.​Nonresidents with a valid Class F nonresident fishing license may take American bullfrog and green frog, as prescribed in §20-2-42f, and certain amphibians as described in this rule.

58-XX-2. Definitions.
​2.1.​All terms shall have the meanings prescribed in §20-1-2.

2.2.​“Reptile” means turtles, lizards and snakes, or any part thereof, and eggs or offspring.

2.3.​“Amphibian” means salamanders, hellbenders, mudpuppies, frogs and toads, or any part thereof, and eggs or offspring.

2.4.​“Possession” means reptiles or amphibians taken alive or dead from the wild in which are in any way under the control of an individual, as prescribed in §20-2-4.



58-XX-3. Reptiles and Amphibians Which May Not Be Taken and/or Possessed.
3.1.​The season is closed for the following amphibians: Eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. alleghaniensis), mudpuppy (Necturus m. maculosus), Cheat Mountain salamander (Plethodon nettingi), Cow Knob (white-spotted) salamander (Plethodon punctatus), Shenandoah Mountain salamander (Plethodon virginia), smallmouth salamander (Ambystoma texanum), streamside salamander (Ambystoma barbouri), green salamander (Aneides aeneus), cave salamander (Eurycea lucifuga), West Virginia spring salamander (Gyrinophilus subterraneus), eastern spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus holbrookii), northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans) and northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens). The amphibians, their eggs, offspring or any parts thereof may not be possessed.

3.2.​The season is closed for the following reptiles: wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), northern map turtle (Graptemys geographica), Ouachita map turtle (Graptemys o. ouachitensis) and midland smooth softshell (Apalone m. mutica). The reptiles, their eggs, offspring or parts thereof may not be possessed.

58-XX-4. Reptiles and Amphibians Which May Be Taken and/or Possessed.
4.1.​Salamanders: Jefferson salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum), spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), marbled salamander (Ambystoma opacum), red-spotted newt (including red eft) (Notophthalmus v. viridescens), northern dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus), seal salamander (Desmognathus monticola), Allegheny mountain dusky salamander (Desmognathus ochrophaeus), black-bellied salamander (Desmognathus quadramaculatus), Black Mountain salamander (Desmognathus welteri), northern spring salamander (Gyrinophilus p. porphyriticus), Kentucky spring salamander (Gyrinophilus p. duryi), four-toed salamander (Hemidactylum scutatum), northern two-lined salamander (Eurycea bislineata), southern two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera), long-tailed salamander (Eurycea l. longicauda), eastern red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus), white-spotted slimy salamander (Plethodon cylindraceus), northern ravine salamander (Plethodon electromorphus), northern slimy salamander (Plethodon glutinosus), valley and ridge salamander (Plethodon hoffmani), Cumberland Plateau salamander (Plethodon kentucki), southern ravine salamander (Plethodon richmondi), Wehrle’s salamander (Plethodon wehrlei), northern red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber ruber) and midland mud salamander (Pseudotriton montanus diastictus). The total possession limit for these species is ten (10) in aggregate.

​4.1.1.​Licensed bait dealers may possess two hundred fifty (250) salamanders in total aggregate as prescribed in Title 58, Series 62 “Catching and Selling Bait Fish” (58CSR62), but cannot possess species with closed seasons as listed in 3.1.

4.2.​Toads and frogs: Eastern American toad (Anaxyrus a. americanus), Fowler’s toad (Anaxyrus fowleri), Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis), gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor), mountain chorus frog (Pseudacris brachyphona), spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), upland chorus frog (Pseudacris feriarum), American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus), northern green frog (Lithobates clamitans melanota), pickerel frog (Lithobates palustris) and wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus). The total possession limit for these species is four (4) in aggregate, except for the American bullfrog and green frog, as prescribed in Title 58, Series 60, Section 5.11 “Fishing Regulations” (58CSR60)

4.3.​Amphibian eggs, tadpoles, larvae. No more than 25 eggs, tadpoles or larvae, in aggregate, may be possessed.

4.4. ​Snakes: Eastern wormsnake (Carphophis a. amoenus), northern black racer (Coluber c. constrictor), northern ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii), red cornsnake (Pantherophis guttatus), eastern ratsnake (Scotophis alleghaniensis), eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos), eastern kingsnake (Lampropeltis g. getula), eastern black kingsnake (Lampropeltis g. nigra), eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis t. triangulum), common watersnake (Nerodia s. sipedon), northern rough greensnake (Opheodrys a. aestivus), smooth greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis), northern pinesnake (Pituophis m. melanoleucus), queen snake (Regina septemvittata), northern brownsnake (Storeria o. dekayi), northern red-bellied snake (Storeria o. occipitomaculata), common ribbonsnake (Thamnophis s. sauritus), eastern gartersnake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis), eastern smooth earthsnake (Virginia v. valeriae), mountain earthsnake (Virginia v. pulchra), northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) and timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). The total possession limit is four (4) snakes in aggregate, with exceptions listed in 58-XX-4.4.1 and 58-XX-4.4.2.

4.4.1.​Northern copperhead. The possession limit for the northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen) is one (1).

4.4.2.​Timber rattlesnake. The possession limit for timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is one (1). The possession of timber rattlesnakes less than forty-two (42) inches in length is not permitted.

4.4.3.​Protection of property. Homeowners, lessees or their representatives may destroy or collect for relocation any snake within the curtilage of a dwelling or any structure used for domestic purposes.

4.4.4.​Snake eggs. The possession of snake eggs is not permitted.

4.4.5.​Shed skin: Snake skins that have been shed may be taken, and will not be considered as part of the total possession limit.

4.5.​Lizards and skinks: Eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus), eastern six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis s. sexlineata), northern coal skink (Plestiodon a. anthracinus), common five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), broad-headed skink (Plestiodon laticeps) and little brown skink (Scincella lateralis). The total possession limit is four (4) in aggregate.

4.5.1.​Collection dates. Lizards or skinks may be taken only between January 1 and May 15 and between July 15 and December 31.

4.5.2.​Lizard or skink eggs. The possession of lizard or skink eggs is not permitted.

4.6.​Turtles: Eastern musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus), eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys p. picta), midland painted turtle (Chrysemys p. marginata), eastern river cooter (Pseudemys c. concinna), northern red-bellied cooter (Pseudemys rubriventris), eastern box turtle (Terrapene c. carolina) and red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). The total possession limit is four (4) turtles in aggregate.

4.6.1.​Eastern snapping turtle and eastern spiny softshell turtle. The daily creel limit of eastern snapping turtle (Chelydra s. serpentina) and eastern spiny softshell (Apalone s. spinifera) is ten (10) turtles and the possession limit is twenty (20) turtles.

4.6.2.​Collection dates. Turtles may be taken only between January 1 and May 15 and July 15 and December 31.

4.6.3. Turtle eggs. The possession of turtle eggs is not permitted.

58-XX-5. Possession and Release of Reptiles and Amphibians.
5.1.​It shall be unlawful to take or possess any reptile or amphibian from any area under agreement with, owned or controlled or administered by the Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section, except as described in 58-XX-5.1.1 and 58-XX-5.1.2.

5.1.1 Persons who have received written permission from the Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section, provided they carry and exhibit said permission upon request.

5.1.2. Persons lawfully taking bullfrogs, green frogs, snapping turtles and eastern spiny softshell turtles.

5.2.​It shall be unlawful to release any reptile or amphibian back into the wild that was held in captivity for more than 30 days. Reptiles or amphibians that have been held in the same enclosure with other species of reptiles or amphibians may not be released at any time. Reptiles or amphibians that are released must be released at the location of the capture.​



Draft – April 11, 2013
 
Old 08-27-2013, 09:10 AM   #14
prpipes1
Ok so I just got off of the phone with Wv dnr law enforcement division II
The new regulations that are going to be established do not involve anyone with a Valid Game Farm License or the casual home breeder/hobbyist. The limits are just a redo of the basic creel limits from your hunting and fishing regulations. Some animals have had there season closed and some have had a reduction in the limits you may take and possess. Still the silliness of having corn snakes continually listed bewilders me. The most expensive wild reptiles have had there seasons entirely closed due to habitat destruction and over harvesting.
 
Old 03-06-2014, 09:52 PM   #15
bcr229
There isn't much time to respond so please do so ASAP!

HB4393 passed both the Senate and House today. Among other things, it will require an annual permit and $300,000 liability insurance policy for every constrictor snake over six feet in length, and for every venomous snake (including rear-fanged hognoses) in your collection.

To ask the governor to veto this law you can use the online contact form at http://www.governor.wv.gov/Pages/Sub...eGovernor.aspx
 
Old 03-06-2014, 10:24 PM   #16
MonkeyShuttle
Done


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Old 03-09-2014, 09:38 PM   #17
deedeeiam
Quote:
Originally Posted by bcr229 View Post
Among other things, it will require an annual permit and $300,000 liability insurance policy for every constrictor snake over six feet in length, and for every venomous snake (including rear-fanged hognoses) in your collection.
Technically, it's worse than that. It gives them the legal power to ban any non-native animals. The language reads "including but not limited to" and then list examples. But...they can ban anything they want, legally, with no input from citizens -- any fish, reptile, or amphibian. It's fear mongering at its finest.

What pissed me off the most was when our "representatives" found opposition to the bill humorous and laughed on the senate floor. As of right now, they bill hasn't been vetoed but it hasn't been signed yet either. It's like...temporary law until one of the other happens.

There is a fundamental flaw in the bill language for anyone that has a captive bred "morph" though. The bill language clearly says that any animal that has been altered in looks (genetically), through human intervention, from their native form, is exempt from the law. The lawyers I consult with believe that will be easily exploitable.
 
Old 03-09-2014, 10:57 PM   #18
MonkeyShuttle
i saw one mention of the Exotic or Wild animals being prohibited not applicable to captive born reptiles as they are not wild being that their bred by people. this was under a virginia law but wonder if this definition is the standard when talking wild animals and structuring new laws??????
 
Old 03-09-2014, 11:09 PM   #19
deedeeiam
It depends how the applicable law defines it. In my example, the law doesn't use the more scientific definition of "domestic" so that provides a loophole.

Our definition of "wildlife" in WV Code doesn't rely on the manner the animal is born though. It'd be nice if it did. The "proposed" ban list includes all read-fanged snakes....which blows my mind. Seriously...they want to ban some hognoses? My state sucks atm.
 
Old 03-10-2014, 10:59 AM   #20
bcr229
Quote:
Originally Posted by deedeeiam View Post
The "proposed" ban list includes all read-fanged snakes....which blows my mind. Seriously...they want to ban some hognoses? My state sucks atm.
No, they want to ban all hognoses.

A few folks have checked into the insurance required also, to try to determine providers and annual premiums. Apparently you can't even buy such a policy unless you've got some sort of business as a circus, licensed wildlife rehabber, zoo, etc. It's also not something most homeowner's policies can add on either.
 

Join now to reply to this thread or open new ones for your questions & comments! FaunaClassifieds.com is the largest online community about Reptile & Amphibians, Snakes, Lizards and number one classifieds service with thousands of ads to look for. Registration is open to everyone and FREE. Click Here to Register!

 
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Virginia state law issues craig268 USA State Specific Issues 18 03-21-2012 02:54 PM
West Virginia Reptile Laws tenneseejed General Legislative Discussions 2 03-02-2005 11:14 PM
West Virginia marshall_p Just For Laughs 0 04-27-2004 05:45 AM
West Virginia Lotto Glenn Bartley Just For Laughs 0 08-06-2003 09:47 PM
West Virginia bars Dan W Just For Laughs 0 12-08-2002 05:17 AM


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:37 AM.







Fauna Top Sites


Powered by vBulletin® Version
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Page generated in 0.05865788 seconds with 10 queries
Content copyrighted ©2002-2022, FaunaClassifieds, LLC