NC Tegu Ban/Native Species Restrictions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

There have been many questions and conflicting information about the recently passed tegu and native species regulations. To bring some understanding to the situation and help NC keepers prepare, we’ve compiled some of the more common questions. We will provide further updates as information becomes available.

Update 5/18/22: NCWRC has finally updated their site and permitting process regarding Argentine Black and White Tegus. Unfortunately, there seem to be some glaring issues with the wording of the NCWRC website. Currently the permit application does not require a count of list of animals in possession, but this may change. There may also be requirements placed on the private individuals to include plans for holding, transportation, final disposition, and safeguards to prevent accidental escape, as required for educational facilities. We recommend including this information with your application, but we do not recommend that you disclose counts unless prompted to do so. You can reach out to NCWRC directly and ask for clarifications as well: licenses@ncwildlife.org.

Q: What rules have changed?

  1. IMPORTATION OF WILD ANIMALS, BIRDS, AND NATIVE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS  (15A NCAC 10B .0101 I):

    Requires an import permit be obtained before any native reptiles or amphibians can be imported into the state.
  1. LIMITATIONS ON CERTAIN EXOTIC SPECIES (15A NCAC 10B .0123):

    Adds the following as exotic species that is unlawful to possess, import, sell, release, etc. into North Carolina:

    1. Greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactlyus planirostris)
    2. Argentine Black and White Tegu Lizard (Salvator merianae or Tupinambis merianae)

    Persons with those species prior to August 1, 2022, may “retain, transport, transfer, or export” those animals that were previously held but future acquisitions, breeding, and sales will be illegal.
  1. SALE OF NATIVE TURTLES (15A NCAC 10H .1301): 

    Prohibits buying or selling any native turtle species except for snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) with a curved carapace length of 13 inches or greater as authorized by 15A NCAC 10B .0119.
  1. POSSESSION OF REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS (15A NCAC 10H .1302 P): 

    Summary:

    Keepers with 5 or more individual native reptiles or 25 or more individual native amphibians must obtain an Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit.

    Possession permits are required for the rehabilitation of native reptiles and amphibians.

    Details:

    Possession permits are required for the possession, importation, transportation, purchase, and sale of:

    1. 25 or more individuals of any combination of native amphibian species;
    2. 5 or more individuals of native reptile species.

    Possession permits shall not be required for the possession, importation, transportation, purchase, and sale of:

    1. 24 or fewer individuals of any combination of native amphibian species;
    2. 4 or fewer individuals of native reptile species

    Possession permits are required for the rehabilitation of native reptiles and amphibians.

    Nothing in this Rule shall be construed to authorize the collection of any wildlife resources from the wild or the taking, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, or release to the wild of any wildlife resources or their parts in violation of State or federal laws or regulations.

    At no time shall permitted animals be released to the wild, except under situations of research or rehabilitation with written permission from the Wildlife Resources Commission
  1. WILDLIFE COLLECTORS (15A NCAC 10B .0119):

    Wildlife Collection Licenses may be issued to qualified individuals to take any species of wildlife resources for the following purposes:

    1. Scientific collection;
    2. Educational collection; or
    3. Snapping turtle collection

    Individuals collecting and holding reptiles or amphibians for personal use shall not be required to obtain a Wildlife Collection License so long as the following conditions are met:

    1. No more than 4 individuals of native reptile species or 24 individuals of any combination of amphibian species per person
    2. Collected reptiles and amphibians shall not be bought or sold.

Q: Are all tegus banned?

No. Only tegus of the species Salvator merianae (formerly Tupinambis merianae), commonly known as the Argentine Black and White Tegu are prohibited from possession. All other tegu species (such as red or gold) are fine and do not require a permit.

Q: How many black and white tegus can I keep if I get a permit.

Currently, the permit does not require a count or list of black and white tegus in your possession, but this may change.

Q: What about blue, Chocoan white-head, or “ice” tegus?

If it’s a member of the species Salvator merianae, it’s restricted. Blue, Chocoan/Paraguay black and white, ice, and other locality or morph variations exist, but these do not constitute a loophole in the ruling. While it is quite arguable that blue tegus should be classified as a separate species, they currently are not, and until there is a taxonomic consensus placing them outside of Salvator merianae, NCWRC will treat them as the same species.

Q: What about hybrid tegus?

This seems to be a gray area, but generally speaking, hybrids of a species are considered to be that species in the context of laws. While it is unlikely that such a distinction could be made by anyone authorized to enforce these rules, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and obtain a license for hybrids of Salvator merianae.

Q: Is someone coming to take my tegu?

There will not be a mass confiscation of tegus. Tegus licensed prior to August 1, 2022 will be legal to keep for the natural life of that animal. They cannot be bred, bought, sold, traded, or transferred within the state. If you are found to be in possession of an unpermitted tegu after August 1, 2022, your tegu may be confiscated and you may be fined or prosecuted.

Q: Can I sell/ship my tegu out of state?

Currently, yes. You can currently export tegus in your possession from NC to other states provided they are legal to possess in that state. This may no longer be the case if the Lacey Act amendments in the America COMPETES Act are passed.

Q: Are corn snakes (or other native species) banned?

No. The import license requirement to bring native species into the state is NOT a ban. They are perfectly legal to possess, breed, buy, sell, or trade, and may be shipped. However, an Amphibian and Reptile Possession permit is required for 5 or more individual native reptiles or 25 or more individual native amphibians. Wild caught native reptiles and amphibians may NOT be sold. Native turtles (including captive bred) may NOT be sold.

Q: Where can I learn what is and isn’t native?

The best and longest running source online is herpsofnc.org . It is an outstanding resource for education on our native reptiles and amphibians with resources to for identification assistance.

Q: How can I get a tegu permit?

NCWRC’s licensing process and website has been updated for the new rules, but with contradictions and seemingly incomplete sections. Current as of 5/18/22:

Q: How can I get a native species import permit?

NCWRC’s licensing process and website has not yet been updated for the new rules. Therefore, we do not know what changes may be made to the licensing process or cost. We will provide updates as soon as that information is available. Current as of 5/18/22:

  • NCWRC Wildlife Importation/Exportation Permit: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing/Other-Licenses-and-Permits/Wildlife-Importation-Exportation
  • NCWRC Customer Service Section – License & Permits: 888-248-6834
  • The license cost listed on the website is $10 per permit, with a permit allowing importation of multiple animals at one time with a single permit. This may be subject to change, as information regarding native species importation has not been added to the NCWRC website.

Q: How can I get a Reptile and Amphibian possession permit?

The rules and application for this permit are not expected to change:

Q: How can we fight this?

This ruling has already been passed. NCARK will be working to have the ruling overturned but there is not an immediate process to stopping this. Join NCARK. Donate if you can.

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