Louisiana is home to a diverse range of turtle species, but did you know that there are laws in place to protect them? In 1975, the US government passed regulations to protect sea turtle eggs, reduce environmental damage, and reduce health risks. One of these regulations, the 4 Inches Law, makes it illegal to sell turtles smaller than 4 inches.
It is important to understand that Louisiana has specific laws in place to protect its native turtle species. For example, all box turtles in Louisiana are deemed to be native, and any box turtle that was hatched and raised on a turtle farm is considered to be farm-raised. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries also manages and protects the state’s abundant natural resources, including its turtle populations.
Turtle Ownership Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana has specific laws regarding turtle ownership. It is 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. Additionally, it is illegal to own the following species: gopher tortoise, ringed map turtle, and alligator snapping turtle.
If you want to own box turtles, possession limits exist. You cannot own more than four box turtles in Louisiana. Moreover, except farm-raised box turtles, no box turtle, egg, or any part of a box turtle shall be sold, traded, or otherwise entered into commerce. There shall be no taking of wild box turtles for commercial purposes.
It is important to note that Louisiana has its own laws different from any other state. Every state in the US has different laws regarding natives and turtles. Most rules are designed to protect turtles, so even if they seem a little restrictive, they are there for a good reason.
To collect or possess turtles in Louisiana, you must have a recreational fishing license or a reptile/amphibian wholesale/dealer’s license. The primary fishing license allows you to take or attempt to take turtles, but you cannot sell them. To sell turtles, you need a reptile/amphibian wholesale/dealer’s license.
There are also specific regulations in place for the taking of turtles. For example, you can only take snapping turtles and diamondback terrapins from April 15 to June 15, and you cannot use any device that is not visible light or mechanical. You cannot use gigs, spears, or other mechanical devices to take turtles.
In addition to these regulations, there are also gear restrictions in place. You cannot use turtle traps or any other device designed to take nesting or nest-tending animals. You also cannot possess firearms while taking turtles.
Turtle Commercialization Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana has strict laws regarding the commercialization of turtles. According to Louisiana law, turtles include all animals commonly known as turtles, tortoises, terrapins, and all other animals of the order Testudinata, class Reptilia, except marine species (families Dermochelyidae and Cheloniidae).
Except for farm-raised box turtles, no box turtle, box turtle egg, or any part of a box turtle shall be sold, traded, or otherwise entered into commerce. There shall be no taking of wild box turtles for commercial purposes. Wild-caught alligator snapping turtles and parts thereof may not be bought or sold in Louisiana.
Commercial fishing for turtles is also regulated in Louisiana. To commercially fish for turtles, you must have a commercial fishing license. Turtles may not be taken for commercial purposes with turtle traps.
There are also possession limits for turtles in Louisiana. You may not buy or sell box turtles in Louisiana but may have up to four in your possession, regardless of origin, per person, unless you have a turtle farming license.
It is important to note that some turtle species are protected under Louisiana law. Endangered, threatened, and protected native species of turtles may not be taken, possessed, transported, exported, purchased, sold, or offered for sale except as authorized by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
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 that are smaller than 4 inches. The law applies to all animals commonly known as turtles, tortoises, terrapins, and all other animals of the order Testudinata, class Reptilia, except marine species (families Dermochelyidae and Chelonidae).
Fourteen states, including Louisiana, have banned the sale of turtles that are four inches or less. This law is in place to protect the public from the risk of salmonella infection, which is commonly associated with tiny turtles. It is important to note that the law only applies to the sale of turtles and not their possession.
You may face legal consequences if you are caught selling turtles smaller than 4 inches. The penalties for violating the law can range from fines to imprisonment. It is essential to be aware of your state’s laws and follow them to avoid legal trouble.
Laws About Wild Turtles in Louisiana
Louisiana has laws protecting wild turtles, including box, snapping, and sea turtles. It’s important to understand these laws if you plan on interacting with turtles in the wild or keeping them as pets.
Under Louisiana law, taking or possessing any turtle eggs or nest-tending animals, such as mother turtles, is illegal. Additionally, taking or possessing more than four box turtles at any time is illegal, and no more than two wild box turtles may be taken for recreational purposes per day.
It’s also illegal to own certain turtle species in Louisiana, including the alligator snapping turtle, diamondback terrapins, gopher tortoise, and ringed map turtle. Additionally, all seven species of sea turtles are protected and cannot be owned.
The nesting season for turtles in Louisiana is from April 15 to June 15, and during this time, it’s illegal to take or disturb nesting or nest-tending animals. It’s also illegal to use specific gear, such as turtle traps, during this time.
Enforcement of these laws is taken seriously in Louisiana, and violators may face fines, imprisonment, or both. It’s essential to have a basic fishing license if you plan on catching turtles or other aquatic animals for recreational purposes, and a reptile/amphibian wholesale/dealer’s license is required for commercial purposes.
Native Species for Louisiana
Louisiana is home to a diverse range of native turtle species, including box turtles, snapping turtles, terrapins, and tortoises. Louisiana has 26 different types of turtles, 20 native to the state. Below is a list of some of the most common native turtle species found in Louisiana:
- Box turtles: Louisiana is home to two species of box turtle – the ornate box turtle and the three-toed box turtle. Both species are protected native species in Louisiana and are found in the eastern and central parts of the state.
- Snapping turtles: The common snapping and alligator snapping turtles are native to Louisiana. The alligator snapping turtle is the giant freshwater turtle in North America and can weigh up to 200 pounds.
- Terrapins: Louisiana is home to the Mississippi diamondback terrapin, found along the Gulf of Mexico coast. This species is protected in Louisiana and is considered a threatened species.
- Tortoise: The gopher tortoise is the only tortoise species native to Louisiana. This species is found in the southeastern part of the state and is considered a threatened species.
- Sea turtles: Louisiana is home to five species of sea turtle – the green sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, and loggerhead sea turtle. These species are all protected under the Endangered Species Act and are considered endangered or threatened.
- Other species: Other native turtle species found in Louisiana include the razorback musk turtle, chicken turtle, alligator snapping turtle, and ringed map turtle.
It is important to note that many of these species are protected native species in Louisiana, and it is illegal to capture, harm, or sell them without a permit. If you are interested in learning more about the native turtle species in Louisiana, it is recommended that you consult with a local wildlife expert or conservation organization.
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