The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering changes to regulations that currently allow for collection, possession, breeding, sale, and trade of native reptiles and amphibians (COMAR 08.03.11). The DNR is making the proposed changes to take a proactive approach to address conservation concerns including collection pressure, disease transmission, and illegal trade. Changes will prohibit collection from the wild and limit possession, breeding, sale, and trade except by special permit. To develop the current concepts, the DNR considered expert advice from wildlife veterinarians, scientific studies, and assessments by law enforcement that reflect changes since the reptile and amphibian regulations were last updated in 2016. Public comments providing additional information and perspectives will help refine and finalize this proposal.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed changes to the native reptile and amphibian regulations. The regulation concepts and FAQs are attached to this page. Please use the linked form to submit comments. The form will close at the end of the day on November 27, 2026.

• Reptile and Amphibian Regulation Concepts
• FAQs

Submit Comment

Other resources:

• Information on Herpetological Diseases
• Turtles In Trouble
• Winter Work: Wood Turtles
• Police Report: Animal Cruelty
• Maryland’s Reptiles and Amphibians

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How will the captive reptile and amphibian regulations change?
   To protect Maryland's native reptiles and amphibians from growing threats like disease and over collection, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife and Heritage Service is proposing a series of changes to the native reptile and amphibian regulations (​COMAR 08.03.11). Changes will prohibit collection from the wild and limit possession, breeding, sale, and trade except by special permit. Changes will also clarify permit requirements for possession, education, and research.
   
   
2. Do these regulation changes impact possession, breeding, sale, or trade of non-native reptiles and amphibians?
   No. These changes will only apply to species native to Maryland.
   
   
3. Will any reptiles or amphibians need to be surrendered or euthanized because of these changes?
   No. If you legally possess any native reptile or amphibian species under the current regulations prior to the adoption of these proposed changes, with or without a Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit, you will qualify for a free Grandfather Permit to maintain possession of your pets.
   
   
4. Are there any native animals that are exempt from the changes?
   Yes. Red Cornsnake and North American Bullfrog are exempt from some of the proposed changes. Details can be found on the proposed regulatory changes document
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5. Grandfather Permits:
1. ​Do I qualify for a Grandfather Permit and how do I apply for one?
   If you legally possess a native reptile or amphibian species under the current regulations prior to the adoption of these proposed changes, with or without a Captive Reptile or Amphibian Permit, you will qualify for a free Grandfather Permit to maintain possession of your pets. The Grandfather Permit application will be available on the DNR website once the regulation changes take effect. Reptile and amphibian owners will have three months to obtain their Grandfather Permit once the regulation changes take effect.


2. I am a current reptile and amphibian permit holder. Am I able to continue to possess, breed, and sell native reptiles and amphibians under the Grandfather Permit?
   Yes; permit conditions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.


3. If I possess a Grandfather Permit to breed, where can I sell or trade my animals?
   Animals will need to be sold outside of Maryland and in states where possession of these species is legal.


4. When my "grandfathered" animal dies, can I replace it?
   No. Grandfather Permits are for specific individuals. When an animal covered under a Grandfather Permit dies, it should be reported to the Wildlife and Heritage Service and cannot be replaced with another of that species. Transfer of animals covered under a Grandfather Permit will be evaluated by DNR on a case-by-case basis.
   
   
6. Will this affect educational institutions/nature centers/camps, etc.?
   No. Educational facilities and organizations will still be able to obtain a Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit to possess reptiles and amphibians for education purposes.


7. Will this affect animal rescue groups?
   No. Rescue groups will still be able to obtain a Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit to hold reptiles and amphibians as part of their rescue operations.


8. Can I transport an injured reptile or amphibian to a wildlife rehabilitator?
   Yes. If a native amphibian or reptile species has an obvious injury or illness, the finder will be able to contact DNR and transport the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. Any native animals appearing healthy should be left where found.


9. What will wildlife rehabilitators do with non-releasable reptiles and amphibians?
   Licensed wildlife rehabilitators will be able to place non-releasable wild animals with approved adopters. Adopters will need to proactively obtain a Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit before adopting an animal from a wildlife rehabilitator.


10. Am I allowed to interact with amphibians and reptiles in the wild?
    Yes. The public may still interact with reptiles and amphibians but animals must generally be left where they are found. On state public lands, specific regulations must be followed for Wildlife Management Areas, State Parks, and State Forests. Federal, county, and city properties may have additional restrictions.


11. I'm thinking about moving to Maryland. Can I bring my Maryland native reptiles and amphibians with me?
    If your animals are prohibited under the new regulations, they cannot be brought to Maryland. Once the regulation takes effect, anyone moving to Maryland with prohibited animals will need to rehome them before relocating.


12. What is a color mutation?
    A color mutation results from a permanent change in an organism's DNA that results in an atypical color or pattern. An albino animal appears yellow, cream, or white due to a lack of the skin pigment melanin. The burden of proving that the animal is a legitimate color mutant lies with the owner.


13. Is the changed regulation comparable to other States?
    Yes. The proposed changes will align Maryland regulations with other states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic that have significantly restricted collection and possession of native species. This list includes neighboring states West Virginia and Virginia.


14. How does the DNR expect these changes to benefit reptile and amphibian conservation?
    The proposed changes will conserve reptile and amphibian populations by keeping wild animals in the wild, which will improve population resilience and reduce risk of disease transfer. Changes will also reduce commodification of native wildlife and improve the ability of the Natural Resources Police to enforce regulations.


15. Besides this regulation change, what else is DNR doing to aid in reptile and amphibian conservation?
    DNR conserves reptiles and amphibians through education, land preservation and restoration, species population status assessments, survey and monitoring efforts, and participation in collaborative projects with conservation partners in Maryland and regionally.

For additional questions, please contact Beth Schlimm ([email protected]).