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 October 15, 2020.

“Native ecosystems can be extremely vulnerable to invasive species,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR). “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):

• 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)
• 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 October 15, 2020, to notify the ADCNR’s 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 at www.outdooralabama.com/restricted-possession-permit.

For more information about the ADCNR permit to possess certain restricted species, please contact:

Capt. Michael East, WFF Law Enforcement
DCNR.Enforcement@dcnr.alabama.gov
(334) 242-3467

or

Carrie Threadgill, WFF Nongame Wildlife Program Coordinator
DCNR.Wildlife@dcnr.alabama.gov
(334) 242-3469

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Parks, State Lands, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.