Regulations for Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, Turtles, Lizards and Snakes

Amphibians and reptiles MAY NOT be shot with firearms (including spring, air, or gas propelled) or bow and arrow. The following shall not be taken or possessed except as authorized by the Director of the Department of Natural Resources: Blandings, spotted, wood, and eastern box turtle; black rat snake, eastern fox snake, copperbelly watersnake, kirtlands snake and massasauga rattlesnake; boreal chorus frog, Blanchards cricket frog; smallmouth salamander, marbled salamander; all reptile eggs; and amphibians and reptiles protected under Part 365 (Endangered Species) of 1994 P.A. 451. For further information, ask for list FO-224. Personal Use: An all-species fishing license is required to take amphibians and reptiles for personal use. Reptiles and amphibians may not be bought, sold, or offered for sale. Hand, trap, nets, seines (up to 12 x 4 feet overall dimensions), and hook and line may be used. Set lines may not be used to take turtles. Frogs may be speared but NOT with the aid of an artificial light. Traps used (or possessed) in areas frequented by reptiles must have a plate or tag attached bearing the name and address of the user in legible English. For taking turtles, no more than three (3) traps may be used, mesh traps must be no less than one (1) inch mesh, and traps must be set to allow turtles to surface and breathe. It is illegal to possess or transport in the field, dressed or processed reptiles or amphibians that cannot be measured or identified.