Update 2/25/22: NCARK has received the final version of the ruling. In contradiction to all previous drafts of the proposal, the tegu restriction portion of the ruling ONLY covers Argentine black and white tegus. Other tegu species appear to be safe and will not require a permit at this time. Argentine black and white tegus will still be legal to possess with a permit obtained prior to August 1, 2022. We will provide updates on the permitting process as NCWRC makes adjustments for the new ruling.
2/24/22:
We regret to announce that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), without discussion, has unanimously passed a ban on Argentine black and white tegus and restrictions on native species. It appears that the commission had their minds made up well before hearings took place and that the hearings were intended as nothing more than a dog and pony show in flagrant disregard to our democracy. These rules have been enacted over the objections of countless North Carolinians and herpetoculturalists around the country, without any direct involvement of the legislature of actual elected officials, and without any credible supporting science.
The tegu ban will become effective on August 1, 2022. Current owners must apply for a permit to keep their animals. We will provide updates on the permitting process as NCWRC makes adjustments for the new ruling.
We will provide further information pertaining to the native species portions of the rules soon, as well as any other information as it becomes available, including the process for obtaining permits.
We thank each and every person who called in to voice their objections. We will continue working with our state and local lawmakers to push back against this overreach.