Regulation 4 VAC 15-30-40 states that a special permit is required and may be issued by the
Department, if consistent with the department's fish and wildlife management program, to import,
possess, or sell those non-native (exotic) animals that the board finds and declares to be predatory or
undesirable within the meaning and intent of Section 29.1-542 of the Code of Virginia, in that their
introduction into the Commonwealth will be detrimental to the native fish and wildlife resources of
Virginia.
It shall be unlawful for any person, or persons, to display, exhibit, handle or use any poisonous or
dangerous snake or reptile in such a manner as to endanger the life or health of any person under
authority of Section 18.2-313 of the Code of Virginia.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any exotic reptile or type of reptile not native to the
Commonwealth of Virginia, including but not limited to the American alligator, to keep the reptile in
any manner that will permit its escape or to knowingly permit the reptile to run at large under authority
of Section 29.1-569 of the Code of Virginia.
The public should not be allowed to come into direct contact with any animals possessed under this
permit, or within close proximity of any animal possessed under this permit where a person's health and
safety could be potentially compromised.
