Socratic Monologue
Well-known member
I recently contacted Florida Fish and Wildlife to get clarification on possession limits of Terrapene carolina bauri in the state (which written legislation is pretty clear on) and whether there is a distinction between CB and WC specimens for purposes of calculating that possession limit (which legislation is not clear on).
Here's the reply I received:
"Good morning John,
Thanks for contacting FWC with your question. Florida box turtles, whether captive bred or wild caught, do count towards the possession limit of 2 turtles, which is inclusive of all species and subspecies of Terrapene found in Florida. Adults, hatchlings, and eggs do count towards that possession limit. Because of the possession limit, captive breeding is not possible within the state. However, purchasing a captive bred turtle from out of state is possible. Wild caught turtles can not be bought or sold within the state.
We are hoping to update our rules in the near future to clarify the rule surrounding Florida box turtles, as the elevation to species status has been accepted nearly universally. There is still a lot of uncertainty about the genetic situation of box turtles in the Panhandle.
Please reach out to me directly at [email protected] if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Brad
Bradley O'Hanlon
Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Coordinator
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission"
So, it is not legal in the state of Florida to possess more than two specimens of Terrapene carolina bauri or any other subspecies native to Florida acquired from any source, and it is not legally possible to breed Terrapene carolina bauri or any other subspecies native to Florida in the state of Florida.
FWIW, I post this not to spur discussion on whether the law benefits wild bauri populations (though repliers can post what they want, of course), but to document a specific statement about the relevant laws from the department that is charged with enforcing those laws.
Here's the reply I received:
"Good morning John,
Thanks for contacting FWC with your question. Florida box turtles, whether captive bred or wild caught, do count towards the possession limit of 2 turtles, which is inclusive of all species and subspecies of Terrapene found in Florida. Adults, hatchlings, and eggs do count towards that possession limit. Because of the possession limit, captive breeding is not possible within the state. However, purchasing a captive bred turtle from out of state is possible. Wild caught turtles can not be bought or sold within the state.
We are hoping to update our rules in the near future to clarify the rule surrounding Florida box turtles, as the elevation to species status has been accepted nearly universally. There is still a lot of uncertainty about the genetic situation of box turtles in the Panhandle.
Please reach out to me directly at [email protected] if you have any further questions.
Thanks,
Brad
Bradley O'Hanlon
Reptile and Amphibian Conservation Coordinator
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission"
So, it is not legal in the state of Florida to possess more than two specimens of Terrapene carolina bauri or any other subspecies native to Florida acquired from any source, and it is not legally possible to breed Terrapene carolina bauri or any other subspecies native to Florida in the state of Florida.
FWIW, I post this not to spur discussion on whether the law benefits wild bauri populations (though repliers can post what they want, of course), but to document a specific statement about the relevant laws from the department that is charged with enforcing those laws.