1. (1) A person may conduct the following activities without acquiring a wildlife document from the division:

   1. (a) collect a noncontrolled reptile or amphibian from the wild;

   2. (b) possess, import, export, or transfer to another person a reptile or amphibian that was previously removed from the wild and is classified as noncontrolled or controlled, provided:

      1. (i) the person receiving the animal maintains documentation verifying that the specimen was legally acquired;
      2. (ii) the person transferring the animal certifies that they were in lawful possession of the animal;
      3. (iii) if the animal is wild caught, no financial compensation or consideration is exchanged as part of the transfer of possession;
      4. (iv) the person receiving the animal has otherwise completed all mandatory education courses necessary to obtain or possess the animal;
      5. (v) the person receiving the animal will not exceed the total possession limit for that species, if applicable; and
      6. (vi) the animal does not belong to a species subject to certificate or registration requirements under R657-53-12;

   3. (c) possess, import, export, transfer, or salvage a dead reptile or amphibian or their parts, provided:

      1. (i) such actions are allowed under applicable state and federal law;
      2. (ii) the specimen was lawfully acquired;
      3. (iii) proof of legal possession accompanies the specimens; and
      4. (iv) the individual completes any required mandatory reporting as described in R657-53-19 and possesses any necessary federal permit necessary to possess the animal or it's part;
   4. (d) pursue and temporarily possess a reptile or amphibian, if that action complies with the requirements in R657-53-8(2);

   5. (e) propagate lawfully acquired amphibians and reptiles, unless:

      1. (i) the species to be propagated requires a certificate of registration under R657-53-12;
      2. (ii) the propagator is breeding a wild caught species native to Utah and is selling the progeny in a manner qualifying as a commercial use under R657-53-2(7); or
      3. (iii) otherwise prohibited by local, state, or federal law; or

   6. (f) transport any reptile or amphibian, regardless of total possession limit restrictions, through Utah without a wildlife document, provided:

      1. (i) the transporter is otherwise in lawful possession of the specimens;
      2. (ii) proof of legal possession or origin accompanies the specimens;
      3. (iii) the transporter complies with importation requirements established by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food;
      4. (iv) the specimens remain in Utah no more than 72 hours; and
      5. (v) the specimens are not sold, transferred, exhibited, displayed, or used for a commercial use while in Utah.

KEY: wildlife, import restrictions, amphibians, reptiles

Date of Last Change: October 2, 2023

Notice of Continuation: March 15, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-2-304; 23A-2-305; 23A-5-309; 23A-5-305