Due to ecological, economic and human health and safety concerns related to the potential impacts of nonnative animals, Alabama Administrative Code 220-2-.26 has been amended to prohibit any person, firm, association, or corporation from possessing, selling, offering for sale, importing, bringing, releasing, or causing to be brought or imported additional nonnative animals into the state of Alabama.
The amended regulation is effective as of Oct. 15, 2020.
“Native ecosystems can be extremely vulnerable to invasive species,” said Chris Blankenship, ACDNR Commissioner. “If intentionally or unintentionally released into the wild, nonnative animals can outcompete native wildlife and upset the natural balance of that ecosystem. With this amended regulation, we are taking a proactive approach to help Alabama avoid the types of ecological challenges caused by nonnative species in other parts the country.” A ban on the following species is included in the amended regulation (220-2-.26) coves any species of venomous reptile that has never naturally existed in the wild in Alabama, including but not limited to venomous snakes of the families Viperidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, Hydrophiidae, and Colubridae, except for hognose snakes (Genus Heterodon);
Any species of bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibian listed as injurious wildlife by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the federal Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. 42); and any species of Tegu (Genus Salvator).
Persons currently holding any of the prohibited wildlife listed above without an ADCNR permit will be given 90 days from Oct. 15, 2020, to notify the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) and apply for a permit, lawfully export the animal(s), or voluntarily surrender the animal(s) to the appropriate WFF personnel without prosecution. Permit applications and instructions will be available online.
For more information about the ADCNR permit to possess certain restricted species, contact Capt. Michael East, WFF Law Enforcement by email at DCNR.Enforcement@dcnr.alabama.gov, or call (334) 242-3467;
Or contact Carrie Threadgill, WFF Nongame Wildlife Program Coordinator by email at DCNR.Wildlife@dcnr.alabama.gov or call (334) 242-3469.