Georgia DNR Releases New Wild Animal Rules

Citing threats from non-native species, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources has expanded limits on animals that can be bought, sold, or kept as pets in the state.

Owners of newly listed species legally called wild animals and varying from Argentine black and white tegus to Everglades crayfish, have a year to meet most of the requirements.

This allows pet owners to register and tag six reptile species added, businesses to sell animals acquired before the changes took effect, and people ineligible for a permit or license to find their animals an appropriate home.

The 12-month grace period begins Friday, Dec. 4.

However, even animals eligible for the grace period cannot be imported or bred after Dec. 4.

Dr. Brett Albanese, an assistant chief with DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section, said the relatively long grace period gives animal owners and businesses plenty of time to transition to the new rules.

He said the process also guards against owners feeling pressured to make a quick change.

Albanese stressed that releasing animals into the wild is illegal and counters efforts to protect wildlife from non-native species.

Changes to the list, the first since 1994, include animals that pose a threat to Georgia wildlife or people and update the scientific names for some species.

Albanese stressed, however, that the list changes cover a wide range of wild animals, from monk parakeets and silver carp to mongooses and potentially invasive crayfish.

Listed species, how to register animals and more details are at https://georgiawildlife.com/rules-pertaining-wild-animals.

For more: https://georgiawildlife.com/conservation/annualreport.