Reptile Trade & Breeding

Crackdowns alone won't stop online wildlife trafficking, as the trade spans multiple points in the chain from harvesters and intermediaries locating specimens through social media.

Northeastern US reptile expos are expanding, giving keepers and breeders more chances to network, trade, and learn.

• Albany's Capital District...

Connecticut requires a permit to possess iguanas under wildlife statutes, though they are not banned outright.

• Core rule: Section 26-55 mandates...

Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash, a lifelong reptile lover and zoo/museum supporter, now has a nonvenomous New Guinea ground snake named Lielaphis...

HBO's new series exposes the violent underworld of illegal reptile trafficking, including king cobras and Komodo dragons smuggled like narcotics.
-...

• Cruel transport: About 200 lizards were crammed into 22 pairs of socks, with one already dead upon discovery at Haneda Airport.
• CITES breach: The...

Ocean Park Hong Kong's new Reptile Territory uses daily talks, expert live chats, and rescued animals to dispel myths and highlight responsible ownership, offering the trade a chance to reframe public views beyond stereotypes.

A routine border stop and shifting pillowcase exposed a multi-year smuggling operation.

• Discovery: Officers found tied pillowcases moving in a...

Alaska allows most common pet turtles like sliders and painted turtles under the state's Clean List (5 AAC 92.029), but unlisted species are banned...

Reptile keepers and herpetology enthusiasts can earn Level 1 Venomous Handling Certification at Northwestern State University's workshop on Sept. 5-6....

• Nebraska allows pet iguanas without state permits, as reptiles fall outside bans targeting wild birds and mammals.
• Green iguanas aren't invasive...

• Illegal ownership risk: Alligators are prohibited as pets in Oregon except narrow exceptions, with authorities seizing one from a Gresham apartment...

Ohio allows iguana ownership at the state level with no permit required under the Dangerous Wild Animal Act.

• State rules: Iguanas fall outside...

On World Lizard Day, Bend's Reptile Zone owner Jeff Jensen spotlights how lizards like bearded dragons deliver joy and emotional support to keepers....

• Wild collection bust: Iowa man faces 124 charges for capturing protected flattened musk turtles in Alabama
• Pet store theft ring: Over 60 snakes,...

petLENS gives reptile industry pros access to ongoing consumer research on spending, trends, and ownership that includes reptiles, a group often left...

A viral video of Tamil actor Vikram cuddling a Lar gibbon triggered a probe that exposes India's weak enforcement of exotic pet rules, despite...

Wyoming allows iguanas but classifies them as exotic wildlife, requiring a Wyoming Game and Fish Department permit before possession.

• Permit...

Kentucky takes a notably relaxed stance on green iguana ownership compared to states like Florida.

• No state permit required for in-state purchases...

Thieves disabled cage locks at multiple Petco stores to steal over 60 reptiles—including ball pythons, geckos, and bearded dragons—for planned resale...