Is it illegal to have a pet turtle in TN?

Is it illegal to have a pet turtle in TN?

Today, it is illegal to own a wild animal as a pet. Unfortunately, these turtles are still bred in captivity and sold across the world as pets. It is illegal to own a turtle in TN. If you happen to come across a Red-eared slider in captivity, do not release them into the wild.

What pets are illegal in Tennessee?

All of the Class I animals are illegal when it comes to personal possession.

• Primates: Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons.
• Wolves: All species.
• Bears: All species.
• Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars: All species.
• Elephants: All species.

Are red-eared sliders legal in TN?

Not only is it illegal to own a Red-eared slider or any turtle in Tennessee, but it can be dangerous since turtles are known to be carriers of salmonella and can pass it on to humans. It is also illegal to sell them as pets and buy one as a pet in Tennessee, and most other states.

Is it illegal to sell a pet turtle in Tennessee?

The Tennessee statute, 1200-14-01-.36, states, “It shall be unlawful for a person to sell, barter, exchange or otherwise transfer any turtle as a pet; or to import or cause to be imported any type of turtle in the State of Tennessee for such purposes.” The Volunteer State joins South Dakota and North Carolina in banning the sale of pet turtles.

Are there any turtles in the wild in Tennessee?

Also known as Muhlenberg’s turtle, Bog turtles are the smallest turtle species in North America and are confined to a few isolated Northeastern parts of Tennessee. This terrestrial species is classed as Threatened in Tennessee and cannot be taken from the wild.

Why are red ear slider turtles banned in Tennessee?

Turtles can still be sold in Tennessee for scientific research, for educational purposes or for food. The primary reason for the turtle ban is the fact the pet turtles, such as the red-eared slider, carry salmonella and other bacteria. Salmonella causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever, and people can die from the infection.

What kind of reptiles are found in Tennessee?

1 Eastern Box Turtle 2 One of the most well-known reptiles, the eastern box turtle can be easily identified by their dome shaped shell with its black/brown and orange/yellow pattern 3 Red Milk Snake 4 The Red Milk Snake is a small tri-colored snake with redish, black, and yellow/white stripes 5 Rough Green Snake

Can you keep a wild turtle as a pet in Tennessee?

Tennessee didn’t allow wild turtles to be kept as pets long before the ban on small pet turtles. State law doesn’t permit the keeping of any wild animals for pet purposes. If you find an injured wild turtle, call the regional TWRA nearest you.

How are eastern box turtles doing in Tennessee?

Status in Tennessee: Common across Tennessee, although populations are in decline. Habitat loss and fragmentation from human development, mortality from cars, and collection for pets are putting these populations at risk.

Turtles can still be sold in Tennessee for scientific research, for educational purposes or for food. The primary reason for the turtle ban is the fact the pet turtles, such as the red-eared slider, carry salmonella and other bacteria. Salmonella causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever, and people can die from the infection.

Is it illegal to sell a turtle in a pet store?

In 2012, the turtle ban was enacted, and permits were no longer issued for the selling of turtles in pet stores or for pet-keeping purposes.