Natural Resources

Wildlife Resources

Rule 53: Amphibian and Reptile Collection, Importation, Transportation and Possession

Effective Date:

Admin. Code Reference: R657-53

Rule Type: Proposed Rule

NOTICE OF SUBSTANTIVE CHANGE

TYPE OF FILING: Amendment

Filing ID: 58284

Rule or section number:

R657-53

1. Agency Information

Title catchline:

Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources

Building:

DNR Complex

Street address:

1594 W North Temple

City, state:

Salt Lake City, UT 84416

Mailing address:

PO Box 146301

City, state and zip:

Salt Lake City, UT 84414-6301

2. Contact Persons

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Staci Coons

801-450-3093

stacicoons@utah.gov

Please address questions regarding information on this notice to the persons listed above.

3. General Information

A. Rule or section catchline:

R657-53. Amphibian and Reptile Collection, Importation, Transportation and Possession

B. Purpose of the new rule or reason for the change:

This rule is being amended pursuant to Regional Advisory Council and Wildlife Board meetings conducted annually for taking public input and reviewing the Division of Wildlife Resources' rules pursuant to collecting, importing, transporting and possessing amphibians, and reptiles in Utah.

C. Summary of the new rule or change:

The amendments to this rule:

1) update the definition of "prohibited species";

2) add language that allows a person to possess a Mojave desert tortoise through the Utah Desert Tortoise Adoption Program;

3) update language for bite severity to include the toxic effect of venom or poison to clarify the species the DWR considers a prohibited species;

4) clarify the prohibited species list; and

5) make clarifications as needed.

5. Fiscal Information

Provide an estimate and written explanation of the aggregate anticipated cost or savings to:

A. State budget:

The amendments to Rule R657-53 are administrative in nature, the DWR has determined that these changes can be initiated within the current workload and resources of the DWR, therefore, the DWR does not believe that these amendments would create a cost or savings impact to the state budget or the DWR's budget since the changes will not increase workload and can be carried out with existing budget.

B. Local governments:

Local governments are not directly or indirectly impacted by these proposed amendments because this rule does not create a situation requiring services from local governments.

C. Small businesses ("small business" means a business employing 1-49 persons):

The proposed rule amendments will not directly impact small businesses because a service is not required of them.

D. Non-small businesses ("non-small business" means a business employing 50 or more persons):

The proposed rule amendments will not directly impact non-small businesses because a service is not required of them.

E. Persons other than small businesses, non-small businesses, state, or local government entities ("person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental entity, or public or private organization of any character other than an agency):

The proposed rule amendments do not have the potential to impact other persons that take aquatic species in Utah, nor is a service required of them.

F. Compliance costs for affected persons:

DWR has determined that this amendment may not create additional costs for those individuals wishing to possess a prohibited species in Utah because it simply clarifies the prohibited species list and the process for adopting a Desert Tortoise in Utah.

6. Regulatory Impact Summary Table

Enter the cost or savings in the relevant cell. If there is no cost or savings, enter, "$0." If a cost or savings is inestimable, enter, "inestimable."

Fiscal Cost

FY2027

FY2028

FY2029

FY2030

FY2031

State Budget

Local Governments

Small Businesses

Non-Small Businesses

Other Persons

Total Fiscal Cost

Fiscal Benefits

FY2027

FY2028

FY2029

FY2030

FY2031

State Budget

Local Governments

Small Businesses

Non-Small Businesses

Other Persons

Total Fiscal Benefits

Net Fiscal Benefits

7. Regulatory Impact Analysis Approval

After conducting a thorough analysis, it was determined that this proposed rule amendment will not result in a measurable fiscal impact to businesses.

The Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, Jamie Barnes, has reviewed and approved this fiscal analysis.

8. Family Impact Information

A. The agency has considered this rule's impact on family health, stability, and formation:

☒

9. Citation Information

Provide citations to the statutory authority for the rule. If there is also a federal requirement for the rule, provide a citation to that requirement:

Section 23A-2-304

Section 23A-2-305

Section 23A-5-309

Section 23A-5-305

11. Public Notice Information

The public may submit written or oral comments to the agency identified in box 1.

A. Comments will be accepted until:

11/16/2026

12. Effective Date Information

This rule change MAY become effective on:

(NOTE: This is the date the agency anticipates making the filing effective. It is NOT the effective date)

11/23/2026

13. Agency Authorization Information

Agency head or

designee and title:

Riley Peck, Director

Date:

09/22/2026

R657. Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources.

R657-53. Amphibian and Reptile Collection, Importation, Transportation and Possession.

R657-53-1. Purpose and Authority.

(1) Under Title 23A, the Wildlife Resources [Code of Utah]Act, this rule governs the collection, importation, possession, and propagation

of amphibians and reptiles in Utah.

(2)(a) Nothing in this rule shall be construed as superseding the provisions set forth in Title 23A, the Wildlife Resources [Code of

Utah]Act.

(b) Any provision of this rule setting forth a criminal violation that overlaps a section of that title is provided in this rule only as a clarification or to provide greater specificity needed for the administration of the provisions of this rule.

(3) Specific dates, species, collection permit boundaries, number of collection permits, daily collection and total possession limits, and other administrative details which may change annually are published in the proclamation or guidebook of the Wildlife Board for amphibians and reptiles.

(4)(a) In addition to this rule, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food regulates animal importation and disease testing requirements through Title 4[ of], the Utah Agricultural Code and[ Utah Admin.] Rule R58-1.

(b) In addition to this rule, local government entities may impose additional prohibitions or restrictions through zoning restrictions and similar ordinances.

(c) Nothing in this rule is intended to authorize an activity that is otherwise prohibited by federal law, rules of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, or properly enacted restrictions imposed by local government entities.

R657-53-2. Definitions.

(1) Terms used in this rule are defined in Section 23A-1-101 and Subsection (2) through Subsection (29).

(2) "Amphibian" means animals from the Class of Amphibia, including hybrid species or subspecies of amphibians and viable embryos or gametes of species or subspecies of amphibians.

(3) "Captive-bred" or "born in captivity" means any legally-obtained amphibian or reptile that:

(a) was born in captivity;

(b) spends its entire life in captivity; and

(4) "Certificate of registration" means, for the purposes of this rule, a wildlife document issued by the division authorizing an individual or entity to undertake activities that are otherwise prohibited.

(5) "Collect" means to take, catch, capture, salvage, or kill any free-roaming amphibian or reptile or their parts within Utah, except as described in Subsection (22) [below ]and in Subsection R657-53-7(2).

(6) "Collection permit" means a wildlife document authorizing collection from the wild and subsequent personal possession of amphibians and reptiles in Utah.

(7)(a) "Commercial use" means any activity through which a person is:

(i) in lawful possession of a wild-caught amphibian or reptile categorized as controlled or prohibited;

(ii) doing business in Utah wherein that business activity utilizes and relies upon a wild-caught amphibian or reptile for financial gain;

(iii) engaged in business activity that is continuous, such that it involves some permanent presence beyond casual or isolated financial transactions; and

(iv) receiving consideration exceeding the costs directly related to care, breeding, rearing of the wild-caught amphibian or reptile and its offspring.

(b) Consideration derived from the sale of offspring from captive-bred amphibians or reptiles does not constitute commercial use.

(8) "Controlled species" means species or subspecies of amphibian or reptile for which a person must acquire certificate of registration or collection permit [prior to]before possessing the animal.

(9) "Daily collection limit" means the maximum limit, in number of individuals, that one person may legally remove from the field during one 24-hour period.

(10) "Den" means any place where reptiles congregate for winter hibernation or brumation.

(11) "Educational use" means the possession and use of an amphibian or reptile by a public educational institution, non-profit organization established for the purposes of wildlife conservation or education, or a government agency, for the purposes of conducting instructional activities for the public concerning wildlife and wildlife-related activities, where the individual or entity does not receive compensation or remuneration beyond the costs incurred to conduct the instruction.

(12) "Entry permit number" means a number issued by the state veterinarian's office to a veterinarian signing a certificate of veterinary inspection authorizing the importation of an amphibian or reptile into Utah.

(13) "Export" means to move or cause to move any amphibian or reptile or their parts from Utah by any means.

(14) "Import" means to bring or cause an amphibian or reptile or their parts to be brought into Utah by any means.

(15) "Legally obtained" means to acquire through collection, trade, barter, propagation or purchase with supporting written documentation if required, such as applicable certificate of registration, collection permit, license, or sales receipt in accordance with applicable laws. Documentation must include the date of the transaction; the name, address and phone number of the person or organization relinquishing the animal; the name, address and phone number of the person or organization obtaining the animal; the scientific name of the animal acquired; and a description of the animal. A state-issued wildlife document and completion of all mandatory reporting satisfies any documentation requirement for specimens covered by the wildlife document and reporting.

(16) "Native species" means any species or subspecies of amphibian or reptile that historically occurred in Utah and has not been introduced by humans or migrated into Utah as a result of human activity.

(17) "Naturalized species" means any species or subspecies of amphibian or reptile that is not native to Utah but has established a wild, self-sustaining population in Utah.

(18) "Noncontrolled species" means a species or subspecies of amphibian or reptile that does not require a certificate of registration or a collection permit to possess.

(19) "Nonnative species" means a species or subspecies of amphibian or reptile that is not native to Utah and has not established a wild, self-sustaining population in Utah.

(20) "Possession" means to physically retain or to exercise dominion or control over an amphibian or reptile.

(21) "Prohibited species" means a species or subspecies of amphibian or reptile that, if taken from the wild, introduced into the wild, or

held in captivity, poses a significant detrimental impact to wild populations, the environment, or human health or safety, and for which a certificate of

registration shall only be issued under special circumstances as approved by the division or a collection permit for which requires variance approval

from the Wildlife Board [prior to]before issuing[ a certificate of registration or collection permit] and [prior to]before possessing the animal.

(22) "Propagation" means the reproduction of amphibians or reptiles in captivity that results in the production of offspring.

(23) "Reptile" means animals from the Class of Reptilia, including hybrid species or subspecies of reptiles and viable embryos or gametes of species or subspecies of reptiles.

(24) "Salvage" means the collection of a reptile or amphibian when that specimen is dead upon discovery and that death was not due to any action attributable to the individual collecting or ultimately receiving the specimen.

(25) "Scientific use" means the possession and use of an amphibian or reptile by a public educational institution, non-profit organization established for the purposes of wildlife conservation or education, or a government agency, for conducting bona fide scientific research that is directly or indirectly beneficial to wildlife or the general public.

(26) "Temporary possession" or "temporarily possess" for the purposes of this rule means handling an amphibian or reptile for the minimum amount of time necessary for a person to complete measurements and documentation required as part of their mandatory reporting.

(27) "Total possession limit" means the maximum limit, in number of individuals, that one person or entity may possess.

(28) "Transport" means to be moved or cause to be moved, any amphibian or reptile within Utah by any means.

(29) "Turtle" means all animals commonly known as turtles, tortoises and terrapins, and all other animals of the Order Testudines, Class Reptilia.

(30) "Wild population" means native or naturalized amphibians or reptiles living in nature.

(31) "Wildlife document" means a document issued by the division allowing an activity that would otherwise be prohibited and includes a collection permit and certificate of registration.

R657-53-4. Prohibited Activities.

(1) A person may not take, [posses]possess, import, export, transfer, or release to the wild a reptile or amphibian or their parts in Utah, or

attempt to undertake such activity, except as provided in this rule or in a proclamation or guidebook issued by the Wildlife Board.

(2)(a) Pursuant to Section 23A-5-305, a person may not release from captivity any amphibian or reptile without first obtaining written authorization from the division.

(b) Any peace officer, division representative, or authorized animal control officer may seize, euthanize, or dispose of any live amphibian or reptile that escapes from captivity.

(c) The division may retain custody of any recaptured amphibian or reptile until the costs of recapture or care have been paid by its owner or keeper.

(3) A person may not:

(a) knowingly disturb the den of any reptile or kill, capture, or harass any reptile within 100 yards of a reptile den without first obtaining a wildlife document authorizing that activity;

(b) trespass while engaged in an activity regulated by this rule;

(d) transfer a wild caught native amphibian or reptile without completing mandatory reporting;

(e) transfer any wild caught native amphibian or reptile to another individual between April 1 and December 31 without prior approval from the division;

(f) collect or attempt to collect a reptile or amphibian under another individual's collection permit;

(g) collect or attempt to collect a reptile or amphibian in an area that is closed to collection activities; or

(h) transport or propagate an amphibian without complying with Title 4, Chapter 37[ Utah Code], the Aquaculture Act and implementing

regulations of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.

(4)(a) A person may not conduct educational use or scientific use activities with a species categorized as controlled or prohibited without first obtaining a certificate of registration from the division.

(b)(i) A person may not conduct commercial use activities with controlled species without first obtaining a certificate of registration from the division.

(ii) A person may [not ]conduct commercial use activities with a prohibited species [without first obtaining a variance from the Wildlife

Board]only under special circumstances and receive a certificate of registration upon approval from the division.

R657-53-5. Activities Allowed Without a Wildlife Document.

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

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

(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:

(i) the person receiving the animal maintains documentation verifying that the specimen was legally acquired;

(ii) the person transferring the animal certifies that they were in lawful possession of the animal;

(iii) if the animal is wild caught, no financial compensation or consideration is exchanged as part of the transfer of possession;

(iv) the person receiving the animal has otherwise completed all mandatory education courses necessary to obtain or possess the animal;

(v) the person receiving the animal will not exceed the total possession limit for that species, if applicable; and

(vi) the animal does not belong to a species subject to certificate or registration requirements under Section R657-53-12;

(i) such actions are allowed under applicable state and federal law;

(ii) the specimen was lawfully acquired;

(iii) proof of legal possession accompanies the specimens; and

(iv) the individual completes any required mandatory reporting as described in Section R657-53-19 and possesses any necessary federal

permit necessary to possess the animal or it[']s part;

(d) pursue and temporarily possess a reptile or amphibian, if that action complies with the requirements in Subsection R657-53-8(2);

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

(i) the species to be propagated requires a certificate of registration under Section R657-53-12;

(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 Subsection R657-53-2(7); or

(iii) otherwise prohibited by local, state, or federal law; or

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

(i) the transporter is otherwise in lawful possession of the specimens;

(ii) proof of legal possession or origin accompanies the specimens;

(iii) the transporter complies with importation requirements established by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food;

(iv) the specimens remain in Utah no more than 72 hours; and

(v) the specimens are not sold, transferred, exhibited, displayed, or used for a commercial use while in Utah.

R657-53-6. Activities Requiring a Wildlife Document.

(1) A person must acquire a collection permit or certificate of registration before capturing a controlled species from the wild in Utah.

(2) Only one collection permit or certificate of registration is required per individual, regardless of the number of animals collected under that permit, provided:

(a) the individual remains in compliance with daily collection limits and total possession limits; and

(b) the individual completes mandatory reporting under Section R657-53-19 as required.

(3)(a) Collection permits are valid for the capture season authorized by the Wildlife Board.

(b) Certificates of registration for personal collection under Section R657-53-12 are valid for the term indicated on the document.

(4)(a) If a person lawfully collects an amphibian or reptile from the wild using a collection permit or certificate of registration, the collection permit or certificate of registration serves as the authorization for continued possession of those collected specimens consistent with the provisions of this rule.

(b) A copy of the collection permit or certificate of registration may serve as documentation of lawful acquisition necessary to transfer possession of a wild caught specimen under Section R657-53-6.

(c) A person may not collect individual specimens in excess of the identified daily collection or total possession limits during the term of their collection permit, regardless of whether they transfer ownership of a specimen to another individual during the collection permit's term.

(5) A person must obtain a variance from the Wildlife Board to collect or possess a prohibited species[.] unless authorization is provided

under special circumstances as approved by the division and a certificate of registration is issued.

(6)(a) An individual or entity must acquire a certificate of registration before engaging in an educational, scientific, or commercial use activity involving the collection or possession of a controlled or prohibited species.

(b) A scientific use certificate of registration is valid for the time-period identified in the research proposal and approved by the division.

(c) Educational use certificates of registration are valid for [3]three years and authorize wildlife-related instructional activities identified on

the certificate of registration.

(d) Commercial use certificates of registration are valid for [3]three years and authorize activities commercial use activities identified on

the certificate of registration.

[(7) ](7) A person may legally possess a Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) by submitting an application to the division to adopt a

captive tortoise from the Utah Desert Tortoise Adoption Program and receiving a certificate of registration upon approval, provided:

(a) the individual follows the guidelines outlined in the Utah Desert Tortoise Adoption Program booklet for preparing a safe outdoor and

indoor environment for the tortoise and proper care for a tortoise; and

(b) does not live in Washington County.

(8) A wildlife document may be suspended or revoked as provided in Section 23A-4-1106 and Rule R657-26.

R657-53-7. Total Possession Limits and Daily Collection Limits.

(1)(a) The division shall establish daily collection limits and total possession limits for amphibians and reptiles found in Utah based upon their classification as a noncontrolled species, controlled species, or prohibited species.

(b) Daily limits, total possession limits, collection permit numbers, collection season dates, and collection permit boundaries will be approved by the Wildlife Board and published in a guidebook by the division.

(2) Noncontrolled species may be given the following daily collection limits and total possession limits:

(a) "Unlimited," allowing an unlimited number of individuals that may be collected from the wild or otherwise possessed; or

(b) "Expanded," allowing for a daily collection limit of 25 individuals and total possession limit of 100.

(3) Controlled species may be given the following daily collection limits and total possession limits:

(a) "Standard," allowing for a daily collection limit of 3 individuals and total possession limit of 9 individuals; or

(b) "Limited," allowing for a daily and yearly collection limit of 2 individuals and total possession limit of 4 individuals.

(4) Prohibited species shall be given the daily collection limit and total possession limit of "Zero," prohibiting all collection and possession of prohibited species.

(5) A person may not exceed daily collection limits or total possession limits unless an authorization is provided in this rule, on a certificate of registration, or a variance granted by the Wildlife Board pursuant to Section R657-53-18.

(6) An individual's daily collection limit and total possession limit is established [at the time]when they possess an individual specimen

and are cumulative throughout the term of a collection permit.

(7) In establishing a daily collection limit or total possession limit, any specimen that belongs to a species that is native to Utah is presumed to be a wild caught specimen unless the individual in possession provides verifiable documentation required by Section R657-53-5.

(8) If a species classification and associated daily collection limit and total possession limit is not defined in this rule or otherwise included in the guidebook published by the Wildlife Board, it shall be classified as a [C]controlled species and have a Standard daily collection limit and total

possession limit.

R657-53-8. Exceptions to Total Possession Limits and Daily Collection Limits.

(1) Total possession limits apply to all amphibians and reptiles acquired in-state, imported into the state, or lawfully acquired by intrastate transfer, except the following do not count toward[s] an individual's applicable limit:

(a) animals and their parts that are captive bred, not classified as [P]prohibited or subject to certificate of registration requirements in

Section R657-53-12, and accompanied by documentation described in Section R657-53-5 verifying lawful acquisition and possession;

(b) animals and their parts that are captive bred, not classified as [P]prohibited or subject to certificate of registration requirements in

Section R657-53-12, and are in possession of an individual conducting reptile propagation, so long as:

(i) the individual performing the propagation registers with the division as a propagator; and

(ii) completes associated mandatory reporting under Section R657-53-19;

(c) animals and their parts that are legally obtained outside of Utah and not classified as [P]prohibited or subject to certificate of

registration requirements in Section R657-53-12; and

(d) individuals or entities authorized to collect or possess species under commercial use, educational use, or scientific use certificates of registration may be subject to alternative total possession limits or daily collection limits established by the division.

(2) Daily collection limits apply to any reptile or amphibian captured in the wild in Utah, except that a person may temporarily possess an individual animal in excess of daily collection limits, provided:

(a) the animal is released immediately after the temporary possession time period has expired;

(b) the animal is not transported away from the capture site unless necessary to accurately complete mandatory reporting;

(d) required reporting is accurately submitted to the division;

(e) temporary possession is not prohibited by federal law;

(f) the individual has completed all mandatory training courses necessary to possess the animal; and

(g) the animal does not belong to a species subject to certificate of registration requirements under Section R657-53-12.

(3) Specimens salvaged in accordance with this rule do not count toward[s] an individual's daily collection limit or total possession limit

for that species.

R657-53-9. Determination of Prohibited Species; Establishing Daily Limits and Total Possession Limits for Controlled Species.

(1)(a) A species of the Order Squamata (snakes and lizards) is classified as a prohibited species if:

(i) it is venomous;

(ii) not native to Utah; and

(iii) a bite from which has the potential to cause [may cause substantial physical ]serious injury to humans ordinarily requiring medical

treatment due to the toxic effect of its venom or poison.

[(b) ](b) The following families, genera, and species of the Order Squamata are classified as a prohibited species, including their taxonomic

successors, subspecies, or any hybrid thereof:

(i) Atractaspididae (burrowing asps);

(ii) Elapidae (proteroglyphous snakes);

(iii) Helodermatidae (beaded lizards);

(iv) Viperidae (pit vipers and vipers);

(v) Varanus komodoensis (Komodo dragon);

(vi) Dispholidus typus (boomslang);

(vii) All species under the Genus Thelotornis (twig snakes); and

(viii) All species under the Genus Rhabdophis (keelback snakes).

[(c)](d) The division may classify any species of reptile or amphibian as prohibited if take from the wild or introduction into the wild poses

a significant detrimental impact to wildlife populations or their habitat and publish them in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for amphibians and reptiles.

[(d)](e) Any amphibian or reptile listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as endangered or threatened pursuant to the federal

Endangered Species Act shall have a zero daily and total possession limit, except:

(i) the division may issue a wildlife document authorizing the collection, importation, possession, or propagation of a threatened or endangered species under the criteria set forth in this rule where the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a permit or otherwise authorized the particular activity; and

(ii) A person may import, possess, transfer, or propagate captive-bred eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi) without a certificate of registration where the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued a permit or otherwise authorized the particular activity.

[(2) ](2) Under special circumstances, the division may issue a certificate of registration authorizing scientific use, educational use, or

commercial use of species designated as prohibited under Subsection R657-53-9(1), provided:

(a) An individual must be at least 18 years of age to receive a certificate of registration pursuant to this section.

(b) To apply for a certificate of registration, a person must submit the following materials to the division:

(i) the species and number of individual animals requested;

(ii) the source from which they are to be acquired;

(iii) a description of the knowledge, skills, and experience the applicant has in handling venomous reptiles or crocodilians, and if any

mentor will be utilized during the term of the certificate of registration;

(iv) the address where the animals will be housed and written verification from the local governmental entity that the activity requested is

consistent with their ordinances;

(v) a description of the facilities and equipment to be utilized in housing the animals;

(vi) all documentation required by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food for lawful import, if necessary;

(vii) verification that appropriate medical treatment from a medical provider is available in proximity to the location where the animals

will be housed.

(3) The division may deny a certificate of registration application if:

(a) the applicant fails to submit any of the required application materials in this section;

(b) approval of which would violate local, state, or federal law;

(d) approval of which may continue to pose a substantial public safety concern.

(4) The division may consider the following factors in establishing recommended daily limits, total possession limits, collection permit

numbers, and collection permit boundaries for controlled species to the Wildlife Board for approval:

(a) prevalence and distribution of the species;

(b) anticipated number of persons participating in the program;

(d) population trends and related conservation data for the species;

(e) human safety concerns posed by collection and possession of the species; and

(f) other relevant social, biological, and political concerns.

([3)(]5)(a) The division may establish a harvest objective for each species, which is the total number of specimens per species may be

collected from the wild each year and close an area or region.

(b) If an established harvest objective for a particular species is reached, collection in that area or region is closed for the remainder of the collection season and removing additional specimens of that species from the wild is prohibited.

(c) The division will identify harvest objective species and numbers in the guidebook of the Wildlife Board for amphibians and reptiles and publish harvest objective criteria on their website.

(d) Individuals collecting amphibians or reptiles having an established harvest objective are responsible for verifying that collection remains open.

R657-53-10. Collection Permits and Certificates of Registration; Prohibited Collection Methods.

(1)(a) Collection permits authorize continued possession of an individual animal after it has been reduced to possession and removed from the wild, subject to the limitations identified in this rule.

(b) In lieu of a collection permit, a person must obtain a certificate of registration to collect, possess, import, or propagate certain venomous reptiles that are native to Utah, pursuant to Section R657-53-12.

(2) A person may collect amphibians and reptiles having an [U]unlimited daily collection limit without acquiring a wildlife document from

the division.

(3)(a) A person may collect amphibians and reptiles having an [E]expanded daily collection limit after successfully completing the Reptile

and Amphibian education course, so long as that person satisfies all the mandatory reporting requirements established in Section R657-53-19.

(b) A collection permit is needed to collect amphibians or reptiles having an [E]expanded daily collection limit.

(4)(a) A person may collect amphibians and reptiles having a [S]standard or [L]limited daily collection limit after:

(i) successfully completing the Reptile and Amphibian education course; and

(ii) acquiring a collection permit or certificate of registration from the division.

(b) A person may not collect amphibians or reptiles having a [S]standard or [L]limited daily collection limit if they have failed to complete

mandatory reporting required in Section R657-53-19 under their current collection permit.

(5) A person may [only ]collect amphibians and reptiles having a Zero daily collection limit [after receiving]only if authorization is

provided through a division issued certificate of registration or a variance [from]is granted by the Wildlife Board[.] under Section R657-53-18.

(6)[ Collection methods.

](a) Amphibians and reptiles may not be collected using any method prohibited in this rule and the proclamations of the Wildlife Board

except as provided by a variance or the Wildlife Board.

(b) The following tools or methods may be utilized in collecting amphibians or reptiles pursuant to this rule:

(i) dip nets less than 24 inches in diameter;

(ii) snake sticks, including hooks, tongs, or grabbers;

(iii) lizard nooses;

(iv) use of a firearm considered a legal weapon under Rule R657-5, so long as the individual has satisfied Hunter Safety requirements in

the State of Utah;[ or]

(v) capture-by-hand[.]; or

(vi) a gig when used to take American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus).

(c) Amphibians and reptiles may only be collected within boundaries established in the guidebook for amphibians and reptiles.

(d) The destruction of habitats such as breaking apart of rocks, logs or other shelters in or under which amphibians or reptiles may be found is prohibited.

(e) Any logs, rocks, or other objects turned over or moved must be replaced in their original position.

R657-53-11. Acquiring a Wildlife Document.

(1) A person may acquire a certificate of registration by:

(a) possessing a valid certificate of completion for the Amphibian and Reptile education course;

(b) submitting an application on the division's website;

(d) providing required information for the type of certificate of registration applied for;

(e) being approved by the division; and

(f) paying the certificate of registration fee.

(2)(a) A person may acquire a collection permit by:

(i) possessing a valid certificate of completion for the Amphibian and Reptile education course;

(ii) paying the associated application fee; and

(iii) if applying for a collection permit distributed through a random drawing, submitting an application on the division's website during the designated application period and, if selected, paying the associated permit fee.

(b) If the division receives more valid applications than the number of available collection permits, the division will conduct a random drawing to identify successful applicants.

(3) Procedures regarding application errors, surrenders, refunds, reallocation of wildlife documents, and variance requests are processed pursuant to [Utah Admin. ]Rules R657-42, R657-50, R657-57, and relevant sections of Utah Code.

(4) Wildlife documents are not transferable.

(5) If the holder of a wildlife document is a representative of an institution, organization, business, or agency, the wildlife document shall be considered void upon the representative's discontinuation of association with that entity.

(6) Wildlife documents do not provide the holder with any rights of succession and any wildlife document issued to a business or organization shall be void upon the termination of the business or organization or upon bankruptcy or transfer.

(7) The issuance of a wildlife document automatically incorporates within its terms the conditions and requirements of this rule specifically governing the activity for which the document is issued.

(8) [In order t]To acquire a wildlife document, a person must be eligible to possess the wildlife document and submit a complete

application or purchase request.

(9) An individual must register with the division as an amphibian or reptile propagator if they wish to breed reptiles or amphibians and maintain possession of those individuals beyond total possession limits that would otherwise apply.

R657-53-12. Regulations Specific to Venomous Reptiles Native to Utah.

(1) An individual must obtain a certificate of registration [prior to]before collecting, possessing, importing, or propagating any reptile,

whether wild caught or captive-bred, that is:

(a) native to Utah;

(b) venomous; and

(c) a bite from which [may ]has the potential to cause [substantial physical]serious injury to humans ordinarily requiring medical treatment

due to the toxic effect of its venom or poison.

(2) An individual must be at least 18 years of age to receive a certificate of registration pursuant to this section.

(3) To apply for a certificate of registration, a person must submit the following materials to the division:

(a) the species and number of individual animals requested;

(b) the source from which they are to be acquired;

(c) a description of the knowledge, skills, and experience the applicant has in handling venomous reptiles, and if any mentor will be utilized during the term of the certificate of registration;

(d) the address where the animals will be housed and written verification from the local governmental entity that the activity requested is consistent with their ordinances;

(e) a description of the facilities and equipment to be utilized in housing the animals;

(f) all documentation required by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food for lawful import, if necessary;

(g) verification that appropriate medical treatment from a medical provider is available in proximity to the location where the animals will be housed; and

(h) registration with the division for propagation activities, if requested.

(4) The division may deny a certificate of registration application if:

(a) the applicant fails to submit any of the required application materials in this section;

(b) approval of which would violate local, state, or federal law;

(d) approval of which may continue to pose a substantial public safety concern.

(5) All activities conducted under a certificate of registration authorization issued pursuant to this section are subject to the mandatory reporting requirements identified in Section R657-53-19.

R657-53-13. Commercial Use Certificate of Registration.

(1) An individual or entity wishing to utilize an amphibian or reptile in manner qualifying as commercial use must first acquire a commercial use certificate of registration from the division.

(2) The division shall consider the following factors in reviewing an application for a commercial use certificate of registration:

(a) the health, welfare, and safety of the public;

(b) demonstrated knowledge and expertise in conducting the proposed wildlife-related activities;

(d) ecological and environmental impacts of the proposed activity; and

(e) the acquisition of other necessary permits or approvals.

(3)(a) The division may review facility and operational guidelines to use in evaluating applications.

(b) The division may condition approval of an application on compliance with additional requirements determined to be necessary components to protect human health and safety and the wildlife resource, such as minimum facility requirements, acquisition of liability insurance, modified total possession limits or daily limits, allowed methods of take, authorization of live release of amphibians and reptiles, mandatory reporting requirements, and other similar expectations.

(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(b), a commercial use certificate of registration may [not ]authorize possession of a species having a

total possession limit of Zero [without variance approval from]only under special circumstances as approved by the [Wildlife Board]division, unless

they are an entity meeting the requirements described in Subsection (4).

(d) If the applicant requests the authorization to capture amphibians or reptiles from the wild, the division shall determine what species, locations, capture season dates, and total numbers that may be captured.

(e) Unless otherwise stated on the certificate of registration, the holder of the certificate of registration may only utilize lawful methods of take identified in Section R657-53-10.

(4) The division may issue a commercial use certificate of registration to a zoo, circus, amusement park, aviary, or film company to import and possess a live amphibian or reptile having a total possession limit of Expanded, Standard, Limited, or Zero, provided:

(a) the applicant satisfies the application requirements in Subsection (2); and

(b) the benefits to the wildlife resource or the general public outweigh any negative impacts to the wildlife resource or the general public.

(5) It is unlawful to sell or trade any turtle, including tortoises, less than 4" in carapace length (See Federal Register 21 CFR 1240.62).

(6)(a) Applications for a commercial use certificate of registration are available on the division's website.

(b) The division will make a determination approving or denying an application within 30 days of receiving a complete application.

(7) A commercial use certificate of registration is non-transferable and automatically terminates upon any of the following:

(a) sale of the licensed commercial enterprise;

(b) a change in the majority of interest holder in the commercial enterprise; or

(c) closure of the commercial enterprise or discontinuation of the activities authorized under a certificate of registration.

R657-53-14. Scientific Use Certificate of Registration.

(1) An individual or enterprise wishing to utilize a reptile or amphibian in a manner qualifying as a scientific use must first acquire a scientific use certificate of registration from the division.

(2) The division shall consider the following factors in analyzing an application for a scientific use certificate of registration:

(a) the health, welfare, and safety of the public;

(b) the health, welfare, safety, and genetic integrity of wildlife and other animals;

(d) the acquisition of other necessary permits or approvals;

(e) the validity of the research objectives and design;

(f) the likelihood the research will fulfill the stated objectives;

(g) the applicant's qualifications to conduct the research, including the requisite education or experience;

(h) the adequacy of the applicant's resources to conduct the study and, if applicable, catalogue or otherwise store specimens in a long-term repository; and

(i) whether the scientific use is in the best interest of the amphibian or reptile, wildlife management, education, or the advancement of science without unnecessarily duplicating previously documented scientific research.

(3)(a) The division may condition approval of an application on compliance with additional requirements determined to be necessary components to protect human health and safety and the wildlife resource, such as minimum facility requirements, acquisition of liability insurance, modified total possession limits or daily limits, allowed methods of take, authorization of live release of amphibians and reptiles, mandatory reporting requirements, and other similar expectations.

(b) A scientific use certificate of registration may authorize possession of a species having a total possession limit of Zero without variance approval from the Wildlife Board.

(c) If the applicant requests the authorization to capture amphibians or reptiles from the wild, the division shall determine what species, locations, capture season dates, and total numbers that may be captured.

(d) Unless otherwise stated on the certificate of registration, the holder of the certificate of registration may only utilize lawful methods of take identified in Subsection R657-53-[12.]10(6).

(4)(a) Applications for a scientific use certificate of registration are available on the division's website.

(b) The division will make a determination approving or denying the application within 30 days of receiving a complete application.

(5) The division may condition approval of a certificate of registration for scientific use on the applicant's agreement to provide an annual report to the division during the permit period, detailing the species and locality of specimens or tissues that were removed from the wild and the destination of any specimens submitted to a long-term collection or depository.

(6) A scientific use certificate of registration is non-transferable and automatically terminates upon:

(a) conclusion of the relevant research project for which the certificate of registration was issued; or

(b) a change in the researcher named as the principal investigator.

R657-53-15. Educational Use Certificate of Registration.

(1) An individual or entity wishing to utilize an amphibian or reptile in a method qualifying as an educational use must first acquire an educational use certificate of registration from the division.

(2) The division shall consider the following factors in analyzing an application for a educational use certificate of registration:

(a) the health, welfare, and safety of the public;

(b) demonstrated knowledge and expertise in conducting the proposed wildlife-related activities;

(d) ecological and environmental impacts of the proposed activity; and

(e) the acquisition of other necessary permits or approvals.

(f) the objectives and structure of the educational program; and

(g) whether the applicant has written approval from the appropriate official if the activity is conducted in a school or other educational facility.

(3)(a) The division may establish facility and operational guidelines to use in reviewing Applications.

(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(b), an educational use certificate of registration may [not ]authorize possession of a species having a

total possession limit of Zero [without variance approval from]only under special circumstances as approved by the [Wildlife Board.]division.

(e) Unless otherwise stated on the certificate of registration, the holder of the certificate of registration may only utilize lawful methods of take identified in Section R657-53-10.

(4)(a) Applications for educational use certificates of registration are available on the division's website.

(b) The division will make a determination approving or denying the application within 30 days of receiving a complete application.

(5) An educational use certificate of registration is non-transferable and automatically expires if the principal educator named on the certificate of registration is no longer providing the educational activity described on the certificate of registration.

R657-53-17. Denials and Appeals.

(1) The division may deny issuing or reissuing a wildlife document to any applicant, if:

(a) the applicant has violated[ any provision of]:

(i) Title 23A, [Utah]the Wildlife Resources [Code]Act;

(ii) [Administrative Code]Title R657;

(iii) any term in a wildlife document pertaining to activities described in this rule;

(iv) an order of the Wildlife Board; or

(v) any other law that, when considered with the functions and responsibilities of collecting, importing, possessing or propagating an amphibian or reptile, bears a reasonable relationship to the applicant's ability to safely and responsibly carry out such activities;

(b) the applicant has failed to submit mandatory reporting information required by this rule, the division, or the Wildlife Board; or

(c) the applicant misrepresented or failed to disclose material information required in connection with the application; or

(d) where the conduct authorized by the wildlife document violates federal, state or local laws.

(2) If the division denies an application, they shall provide the applicant with written notice of the reasons for denial.

(3) If the division denies an application, the applicant may request that the Director reconsider the division's decision by providing written notice to the Director within 30 days of denial.

(4) If the Director denies a request for reconsideration, the applicant may submit an appeal to the Wildlife Board consistent with Rule

R657-2.

R657-53-23. Violations; Suspension and Revocation.

(1) Any violation of this rule is a class C misdemeanor, as provided in Section 23A-5-301.

(2) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to supersede [any provision of ]Title 23A, the Wildlife Resources [Code of Utah]Act, which

establishes a penalty greater than a class C misdemeanor. Any provision of this rule which overlaps a provision of that title is intended only as a clarification or to provide greater specificity needed for the administration of the provisions of this rule.

(3) A wildlife document issued pursuant to this rule may be suspended or revoked consistent with Section 23A-4-1106.

KEY: wildlife, import restrictions, amphibians, reptiles

Date of Last Change: 2026[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

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