DNR Plans Tighter Rules on Collecting and Selling Native Turtles, Snakes and Frogs After Poaching Case

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND — People on the Shore who collect, keep, breed or sell native turtles, snakes, frogs or salamanders could face new state rules. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says it is working on regulation changes covering the collection, possession, breeding and sale of native reptiles and amphibians, and it will post the details for public comment "soon."

Current rules "allow for significant wild collection as well as breeding, sale, and trade of many species," the department said Oct. 22, and they fail to address collection pressure, disease transmission and illegal trade. The changes being considered are meant to provide "clear and enforceable regulations" to protect wild reptile and amphibian populations, the department said. The work is being done by its Wildlife and Heritage Service.

The department pointed to a St. Mary's County case. In October 2024, state and local officials seized 43 eastern box turtles and three painted turtles from a private property there. Twenty-seven turtles died or had to be euthanized; the survivors could not be released into the wild because of the risk of spreading disease, said Dr. Ellen Bronson of the Maryland Zoo. The person was charged with 48 counts of animal cruelty, 53 counts of possession without permits and three counts of failure to obtain a permit, with requested restitution of about $4,100.

"These are turtles that are no longer reproducing and contributing to the sustainability of the wild population," said Beth Schlimm, the state herpetologist.

Turtles are slow to reach breeding age, the department said. A female box turtle may take seven to eight years to breed, eggs and young turtles have low survival rates, and many turtles live 40 years or more. Losing mature females can send a population into decline quickly.

The department asks residents to leave wild animals where they are found and to report suspected wildlife crimes to Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers at 443-433-4112. No comment period has opened yet.