Although all of Vermont’s reptiles and amphibians are protected by law, the normal catch and release of common reptiles and amphibians or photographing them in the wild without transporting them does not require any permits or licenses. Collection of reptiles and amphibians for scientific research, educational purposes, or for the purpose of using them as the subjects of art or photography requires a scientific collection permit. The use of live traps or drift-fences even for common species requires this type of permit. A special endangered species permit is required for the taking or handling of threatened or endangered species. Threatened or endangered species should be documented without handling or disturbing them.
Vermont’s native species may not be kept as pets without an importation and possession permit. Some non-native herps may be kept as pets. See our Vermont’s Herps Are Not Pets page for more information.
