Maryland Proposed Ban on Collecting Native Reptiles
State officials aim to prohibit keeping native species as pets to curb the illegal trade of endangered turtles.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Reptiles
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plans to propose a rule banning the collection or possession of native reptiles and amphibians. The move follows ongoing efforts to repatriate poached wildlife, including wood turtles, back into their natural habitats.
Why it matters
Native turtles take decades to reach sexual maturity, meaning the removal of even a few adults from the wild causes rapid population declines. This proposed regulation aims to protect these endangered species from the illegal wildlife trade.
Wildlife officials recently seized 3,000 poached turtles in 2026, building on a larger trend that saw 23,000 tortoises and turtles trafficked between 2018 and 2022. Endangered wood turtles, which can live up to 60 years, are a primary focus of these conservation efforts.
The players
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing natural resources and wildlife protection efforts in Maryland.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The federal agency tasked with managing and protecting the nation's fish, wildlife, and natural habitats.
The details
DNR officials utilize USDA-trained detector dogs to verify that release sites have viable populations before returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. The state also conducts health testing and population size analysis to ensure these animals can survive. Current regulations allow the collection of wild turtles for personal pet ownership, a practice the proposed rule seeks to eliminate entirely.
Timeline
2018: New York officials executed a major illegal reptile bust.
2018-2022: Nine major turtle trafficking cases were prosecuted.
2025: DNR released seven wood turtles into the wild.
October 2026: DNR announced plans to propose a new rule.
The Home Front
Maryland's proposed rule change follows a documented nationwide spike in illegal wildlife trafficking that saw 23,000 tortoises and turtles seized between 2018 and 2022. This legislation represents a shift toward stricter state-level oversight to curb the removal of native species.
Residents currently keeping native Maryland reptiles as pets should prepare for potential changes to ownership regulations. You should verify your current pet’s species with a professional or veterinarian to understand how upcoming state-level rule changes may affect your home.
The takeaway
The removal of wild turtles for the pet trade has contributed to significant population declines for endangered species. If you encounter injured or captive native wildlife, contact your local state conservation office rather than attempting to keep or rehabilitate the animal yourself.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife management and conservation efforts in the Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Banner.
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Should it be illegal to collect native reptiles and amphibians from the wild in your state?
