Iowa Turtle Laws Explained: Regulations for Keeping Turtles as Pets.

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Iowa has specific laws regarding the ownership and capture of turtles. It’s important for residents and visitors to be aware of these laws to avoid any legal issues. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state’s wildlife and has established regulations for the capture, possession, and sale of turtles.

According to Iowa Code Section 481A.67, it is illegal to take, capture, or kill fish, frogs, or turtles except during the open season established by the commission. Additionally, it’s illegal to own certain turtle species, including Ornate Box turtles, Common Musk turtles, Wood turtles, Yellow Mud turtles, and Blanding’s turtles. It’s also illegal to own any of the seven sea turtle species, including Loggerhead turtles, Green sea turtles, Leatherback turtles, Hawksbill turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles, Olive ridley turtles, and Flatback turtles.

The Iowa DNR works in partnership with the Commission to manage the state’s wildlife and establish commercial and recreational seasons and daily catch limits on turtles. It’s important to note that commercial harvest of turtles requires an appropriate, valid commercial license. Individuals who buy turtles or turtle eggs from commercial fishers or harvesters for personal consumption are exempt from this requirement.

Turtle Ownership Laws in Iowa

Iowa Turtle Laws Explained

In Iowa, there are laws in place that regulate the ownership of turtles. It is important to understand these laws to avoid any legal issues related to turtle ownership.

Firstly, it is illegal to own certain species of turtles in Iowa. This includes the Ornate Box turtle, Common Musk turtle, Wood turtle, Yellow Mud turtle, and Blanding’s turtle. Additionally, it is illegal to own any of the seven sea turtle species, which include Loggerhead turtles, Green sea turtles, Leatherback turtles, Hawksbill turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles, Olive ridley turtles, and Flatback turtles.

If you are planning on owning turtles that are legal to own in Iowa, it is important to be aware of possession limits. Possession limits are established by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and vary depending on the species of turtle. For example, a valid sport fishing license allows you to take and possess a maximum of 100 pounds of live turtles or 50 pounds of dressed turtles.

It is also important to note that there are regulations in place for commercial turtle buyers and harvesters. Commercial turtle harvesters must retain a copy of each receipt for five years following the transaction, while commercial turtle buyers must maintain accurate records of all transactions.

In addition, it is illegal to take, possess, transport, import, export, process, sell, offer for sale, buy, or offer to buy certain species of turtles in Iowa. This includes the Ornate box, Stinkpot, Wood Turtle, Yellow Mud, or Blanding’s turtles.

Turtle Commercialization Laws in Iowa

Commercial turtle harvesters in Iowa must possess an appropriate, valid commercial license to operate commercial gear and to take, attempt to take, possess, transport, sell, barter, or trade commercial turtles or turtle eggs. A commercial turtle harvester license is required to operate commercial gear and to take, attempt to take, possess, transport, sell, barter, or trade commercial turtles or turtle eggs.

Commercial turtle harvesters are required to maintain accurate records of all transactions and retain a copy of each receipt for five years following the transaction. A purchaser of commercial turtles shall retain a copy of the receipt for as long as the purchaser is in possession of the turtles.

There are daily catch and possession limits for commercial and recreational turtle harvest in Iowa. Licensees are required to check their traps at least once every 24 hours and must empty them of catch. Weather-resistant gear tags must be used to identify the licensee and license number.

It is illegal to take or possess painted turtles, common snapping turtles, and softshells from the wild for commercial or recreational purposes in Iowa. Commercial turtle harvesters are also required to report their daily catch to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The natural resource commission establishes seasons and limits for turtle harvesting in Iowa. The commission adopts rules pursuant to chapter 17A establishing restrictive daily catch and possession limits, minimum length, gear attendance, and culling requirements to ensure long-term sustainability of the turtle population.

Nonresident commercial turtle harvesters must possess a commercial turtle harvester license and a commercial fishing license to harvest turtles in Iowa. Commercial gear and live turtles may not be transported across state lines without proper documentation.

Governor Branstad signed House File 2357 into law in 2016, which established new restrictions on turtle harvest in Iowa. The law prohibits the commercial and recreational harvest of egg-laying females during the nesting season and limits the number of turtles that can be taken from the wild.

The 4 Inches Law

The 4 Inches Law is a regulation passed by the US government in 1975 to protect sea turtle eggs, reduce environmental damage, and reduce health risks. This law makes it illegal to sell turtles under 4 inches long (shell length) in the United States.

The reason behind this law is that small turtles are more likely to carry Salmonella bacteria, which can cause illness in humans, especially children. The bacteria can be found on the turtle’s skin, shell, and in their feces. Children are more susceptible to the bacteria due to their weaker immune systems and tendency to put things in their mouths.

The 4 Inches Law is enforced by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Violators of this law can face fines and even imprisonment. It is important to note that this law only applies to the sale of turtles, not their ownership.

Laws About Wild Turtles in Iowa

Iowa has laws in place to protect its native turtle species. It is illegal to take, possess, transport, import, export, process, sell, offer for sale, buy, or offer to buy the following five species of turtles in Iowa: Ornate box, Stinkpot, Wood Turtle, Yellow Mud, or Blanding’s turtles. These species are protected under the Iowa Administrative Code, and violating these regulations could result in fines and penalties.

It is important to note that most states, including Iowa, have laws that protect wild native turtles. If you come across a turtle in the wild, it is essential to leave it alone and not disturb it. Turtles play an important role in the ecosystem, and their removal can have a significant impact on the environment.

Iowa Rivers Revival has worked with key legislators to introduce legislation that required the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to protect the resource for the future, resulting in changes being put in place to help save Iowa’s wild turtle population. Records show that nearly 33% of turtles are harvested commercially during the nesting season, a crucial period for reproduction and species survival.

In addition to protecting the five species mentioned above, Iowa also has regulations in place to protect other turtle species. It is illegal to own any of the seven sea turtle species: Loggerhead turtles, Green sea turtles, Leatherback turtles, Hawksbill turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles, Olive ridley turtles, and Flatback turtles.

It is also important to note that Iowa has regulations in place regarding the introduction of live fish and aquatic invertebrates into public waters. You cannot introduce any live fish, except for hooked bait, into public waters. This regulation helps protect the native mussels, crayfish, and other aquatic species that are crucial to the ecosystem.

If you have a sport fishing license, you are allowed to take and possess a maximum of 100 pounds of live turtles or 50 pounds of dressed turtles. However, it is important to note that Iowa’s regulations regarding turtles are subject to change, and it is essential to stay up to date on any changes to the rules.

Native Species

Iowa is home to 14 species of turtles, all of which are native to the state. The following table lists the native species of turtles found in Iowa:

Species NameScientific NameConservation Status
Blanding’s TurtleEmydoidea blandingiiEndangered
Common Musk TurtleSternotherus odoratusNot listed
Common Snapping TurtleChelydra serpentinaNot listed
Eastern Box TurtleTerrapene carolina carolinaNot listed
False Map TurtleGraptemys pseudogeographicaNot listed
Midland Painted TurtleChrysemys picta marginataNot listed
Mississippi Map TurtleGraptemys pseudogeographica kohniiNot listed
Ornate Box TurtleTerrapene ornataNot listed
Smooth Softshell TurtleApalone muticaNot listed
Spiny Softshell TurtleApalone spiniferaNot listed
Western Painted TurtleChrysemys picta belliiNot listed
Wood TurtleGlyptemys insculptaNot listed
Yellow Mud TurtleKinosternon flavescensNot listed
Yellow-bellied SliderTrachemys scripta scriptaNot listed

It is important to note that some of these species may be endangered or threatened in other states, such as Nebraska, Illinois, or North Dakota. It is crucial to check the relevant laws and regulations before handling or transporting turtles across state lines.

In Iowa, it is illegal to own any of the seven sea turtle species: Loggerhead turtles, Green sea turtles, Leatherback turtles, Hawksbill turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles, Olive ridley turtles, and Flatback turtles. It is also illegal to own an endangered turtle species without a license or permit from the state.

If you find a turtle in the wild, it is important to leave it alone and not disturb its habitat. If you need to move a turtle for its safety, it is recommended to move it in the direction it was heading. Handling turtles requires a permit in Iowa, and it is important to follow the regulations to protect these native species.

Laws About Sea Turtles

Sea turtles are a protected species in the United States under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Four species of sea turtles are listed as endangered, including the hawksbill, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley, and green turtle. The loggerhead turtle is listed as threatened. It is illegal to harm, harass, or kill any sea turtles, hatchlings, or their eggs.

If you are in Iowa, it is illegal to own any of the seven sea turtle species, including the loggerhead turtles, green sea turtles, leatherback turtles, hawksbill turtles, Kemp’s ridley turtles, Olive Ridley turtles, and Flatback turtles. It is essential to note that sea turtles cannot survive in Iowa’s freshwater habitats and are not native to the state.

If you find a stranded or injured sea turtle, contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. It is illegal to keep a sea turtle as a pet or attempt to rehabilitate it without proper training and permits.

In addition to federal protection under the ESA, Iowa has specific regulations regarding turtle harvesting. It is unlawful to take, capture, or kill fish, frogs, or turtles except during the open season established by the commission. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources sets the season and limits for turtle harvesting, and it is essential to follow these regulations to ensure the sustainability of Iowa’s turtle populations.

Smooth softshell turtles are native to Iowa and are not protected under the ESA. However, it is illegal to own them as pets, and there are specific regulations regarding their harvest. It is unlawful to take, capture, or kill smooth softshell turtles from the wild except during the open season established by the commission. The daily catch limit is two smooth softshell turtles per person, and they must be at least 12 inches in length. It is also illegal to sell or transport smooth softshell turtles without a permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Why Those Laws Exist

The Iowa Turtle Laws exist to protect the long-term sustainability of the state’s ecosystem. These laws govern the harvesting, possession, and sale of turtles and turtle eggs in Iowa. The regulations are in place to ensure that the population of turtles in the state remains stable and that the ecosystem remains healthy.

The regulations limit the number of turtles that can be harvested, and they require that only licensed individuals can harvest turtles. The laws also prohibit the sale of turtles that are less than four inches in length. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the turtles have an opportunity to grow and reproduce before they are harvested.

The Iowa Turtle Laws are necessary because turtles are an essential part of the ecosystem. They help to control the population of insects and other small animals, and they are a food source for larger animals. Without turtles, the ecosystem would be imbalanced, and there could be serious consequences for the environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iowa has strict laws regarding the ownership and harvesting of turtles. It is illegal to own certain species of turtles, including the seven sea turtle species, and there are specific regulations for the commercial and sport trapping of other species.

It is important to follow these laws to protect the turtle populations in Iowa. Many turtle species have specific habitat needs and extensive lifespans, making them vulnerable to habitat destruction and over-harvesting.

Additionally, turtles play an important role in the ecosystem as they help control insect populations and serve as prey for larger animals. Protecting them is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Resources

When it comes to understanding the laws and regulations surrounding turtles in Iowa, there are several resources available to help guide you. Here are a few key resources to check out:

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for enforcing many of the state’s wildlife laws, including those related to turtles. Their website is a great place to start if you’re looking for information on the specific regulations around turtle trapping, hunting, and possession in Iowa. They also provide information on seasons, bag limits, and other important details that you’ll need to know before engaging in any turtle-related activities.

The Sierra Club is a national environmental organization that works to protect wildlife and their habitats. They have a chapter in Iowa that is dedicated to promoting conservation efforts throughout the state. While they don’t provide specific information on Iowa’s turtle laws, they are a great resource for learning more about the importance of protecting these animals and their habitats.

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