No, Georgia. You may not have an Indian Rock or Burmese Python for Christmas. Here’s why.

Chelsea Madden
·2 min read

If you’re a pet owner or breeder, listen up.

Six animals have been added to the wild animal list, preventing Georgia residents from buying, selling or having them as pets.

Which animals have been added?

Six reptiles have been added to the state’s wild animal list. These animals are:

  • Indian rock pythons

  • Burmese pythons

  • Argentine black-and-white tegus

  • Nile monitors

  • African helmeted turtles

  • Chinese softshell turtles

Why have these reptiles been added to the wild animal list?

The GA DNR adds animals to the list “that pose a threat to Georgia wildlife or to people” and no changes have been made since 1994.

The GA DNR can’t take animals off of the list, only add them after extensive review and research to determine ecological risks and dangers.

For example, the Argentine black and white tegus has been growing in population in Florida and has since spread to Georgia. The animal has been known to consume everything from eggs to small animals; after learning this, GA DNR added the tegus to the wild animal list to enforce regulations and protect the state’s other wildlife.

What should I do if I already have one as a pet?

You can keep the animal if you obtain proper tags and registration for it. To do this, contact the DNR Law Enforcement Division within the grace period.

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.”

The grace period to obtain tags and registration is within 12 months of Dec. 4, 2022.

What if I am a reptile breeder?

If you are a breeder and you possessed one of the six animals before the effective date of the rules (Oct. 25), then you may sell, transport or transfer the animal within the grace period.

However, if someone is purchasing the animal for pet ownership, they should be notified of the rules to obtain tags and registration for the wild animal within the grace period.

Breeders should note that importing and breeding one of the six animals in the state is not allowed after Dec. 4, 2022.

Visit the Wildlife Resources Division website to learn more about the new wild animal rules.