Elena Rossi
Painted turtles are native to New York and can be recognised by their bright yellow and red markings and flat, dark shells. They are commonly found basking in parks, especially in Turtle Pond in Central Park and Spring Pond in Blue Heron Park. While it is not illegal to keep certain species of turtles as pets in New York, it is illegal to own or sell painted turtles without a 'License to Possess'. This is because painted turtles are protected under the Consolidated Laws of New York, which deals with animal cruelty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality of owning a paint turtle in New York | It is illegal to own or sell Painted Turtles in New York State without a 'License to Possess' |
| Regulation of exotic animals in New York | Left to the state |
| Organisations advocating for federal, standardized legislation | The Humane Society of the United States |
| Other animals included in the advocated legislation | Large cats, bears, primates, and large poisonous snakes |
| Permit requirements for buying a paint turtle from another state | A copy of the permit in the seller's name from their state of residence, proving that the turtle is legal to own in that state with a permit |
| Permit requirements for buying a species that is not protected in the seller's state | Written proof that the species can be legally collected, captive-bred, sold or traded in the seller's state |
| Recommended action if you see a violation of wildlife or environmentally related law | Call 1 800 TIPP DEC |
| Length requirement for the legal sale of turtles in New York | Carapace length of greater than 4 inches |
| Length requirement for the sale of diamondback terrapins in New York | Straight-line carapace length between 4 and 7 inches |
| Annual cost of a diamondback terrapin license | $10 |
| Recommended action if you see a turtle crossing the road | Stop and assist it across in the direction it is travelling |
| Warning regarding large snapping turtles | Avoid their face as they are aggressive and have a nasty bite |
| New York State Department of Health rule regarding the sale of turtles | Forbidden under five inches because they may be carriers of salmonella bacteria |
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What You'll Learn
Painted turtles are native to New York
The Eastern Painted Turtle is found in the central and southeastern regions of New York State, particularly around the Hudson River. Meanwhile, the Midland Painted Turtle inhabits the rest of the state, including the central, northern, and western counties. These turtles are semi-aquatic and prefer to bask on warm summer days, often on partially submerged logs or rocks. Their diet consists primarily of animal matter, but they also consume algae and plants.
Native painted turtles are protected under New York's environmental laws, and they cannot be owned, sold, or taken from the wild without a permit. While it is legal to keep unprotected turtle species as pets, it is not recommended due to the potential risk of disease transmission and the negative impact on native populations. Additionally, only the Common Snapping Turtle is an unprotected native species in New York, and its aggressive nature makes it suitable only for experienced keepers.
New York is also home to other native turtle species, such as the Eastern Box Turtle, Wood Turtle, and Diamondback Terrapin. These turtles are regulated by the state's reptile and amphibian laws, which aim to prevent cruelty and protect native species. Overall, while painted turtles are native to New York, it is important to follow the state's regulations and respect the natural habitats of these fascinating creatures.
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A permit is required to own a painted turtle in New York
Painted turtles are a common sight in New York, basking in the sun on rocks and logs by the shore of the state's freshwater ponds and lakes. They are easily recognisable by their bright yellow and red markings and flat, dark shells.
While painted turtles are native to New York, it is illegal to own or sell them in the state without a 'License to Possess'. This is a special permit issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC may issue a revocable special licence to collect, possess, or sell for scientific or educational purposes any protected species, including threatened and endangered species. This 'Scientific Collectors License' will not be issued to individuals who wish to keep protected species as pets.
The regulation of exotic animals is left to individual US states, and some organisations advocate for federal, standardised legislation. In the case of painted turtles, a permit is required to own one in New York State, but it is not illegal to keep certain species. Some common species can be kept with the correct DEC permits. Most can now only be kept on permit for educational or research purposes.
Native species can be kept for breeding purposes, but they cannot be sourced from within New York State. Proof of purchase from a legitimate source outside the state must be provided. A permit is also required to possess all non-native species that are listed as endangered or threatened.
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It is illegal to sell turtles under five inches in New York
In the state of New York, it is illegal to sell turtles that are smaller than four inches in size, as per the Code of Federal Regulations. This law was passed in 1975 by the US government to protect sea turtle eggs, reduce environmental damage, and mitigate health risks. The specific regulation states that "viable turtle eggs and live turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches shall not be sold, held for sale, or offered for any other type of commercial or public distribution".
The law applies to all turtles, tortoises, terrapins, and other animals of the order Testudinata, class Reptilia, except for marine species (families Dermochelyidae and Cheloniidae). It is important to note that the sale of unprotected turtles in New York is regulated by Public Health Law rather than Environmental Conservation Law (ECL).
While it is generally legal to own a turtle in New York, specific species may be protected by law and are therefore illegal to own without a permit. For example, the diamondback terrapin is protected in New York, and individuals must obtain a special license to take and sell these turtles. This license costs $10 annually, and only terrapins with a carapace length between four and seven inches may be taken or sold.
In addition to size restrictions, it is also illegal to capture turtles using a hook and line in New York. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) may issue revocable special licenses for the collection, possession, or sale of protected species, including threatened and endangered species, for scientific or educational purposes. However, these licenses are not issued to individuals who wish to keep protected species as pets.
It is important to be aware of the specific regulations and permit requirements for owning and selling turtles in New York to ensure compliance with the law and to prioritize the conservation and welfare of these species.
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Turtles are covered under animal cruelty laws in New York
In New York, turtles are covered under the Consolidated Laws of New York dealing with animal cruelty. All species of amphibians and reptiles, including turtles, are included under this court decision. The laws cover both wild and tame animals, and those that are abandoned, lost, strayed, homeless, or in the care, custody, or control of another person.
Under these laws, it is illegal to overdrive, overload, torture, beat, unjustifiably injure, maim, mutilate, or kill any animal. It is also illegal to deprive an animal of necessary sustenance, food, or drink, or to neglect or refuse to provide these things. Additionally, it is illegal to cause, procure, or permit any of the previously mentioned acts of cruelty.
While it is legal to keep unprotected turtle species as pets in New York, it is not recommended due to the negative impact it can have on native turtle populations and the bacteria turtles carry, such as Salmonella. Certain turtle species are protected by law in New York, including the box turtle, bog turtle, wood turtle, and all species of frogs and toads. These protected species require a special license, such as a "Scientific Collectors License," to be collected, possessed, or sold, and even then, only for scientific or educational purposes.
To obtain a permit or special license for turtles in New York, individuals must contact the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) or their local county SPCA, humane enforcement agency, or police department.
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Turtles can be found in New York City parks
New York City is home to a variety of turtles, with 19 species found in the state. The city's parks are a great place to spot these slow-moving creatures, with any park that has bodies of water being likely to have a healthy aquatic turtle population.
Painted turtles are commonly seen in parks, recognisable by their bright yellow and red markings and flat, dark shells. They can often be spotted basking in the sun at Turtle Pond in Central Park and Spring Pond in Blue Heron Park. They eat aquatic vegetation and can sleep underwater for a few hours before surfacing for air.
Red-eared sliders are an invasive species in New York City, introduced by people releasing their unwanted pets into parks. They are named for the streaks of red found along the sides of their heads, with dark green skin and bright yellow streaks. They have saturated the pet market and are now crowding out native turtle species, such as the painted turtle. They can be found in large numbers in Morningside Pond in Central Park, where they have caused harmful algal blooms by producing large amounts of waste.
Diamondback terrapins are another species found in New York City parks, particularly in wetland areas with brackish water, such as Idlewild Park in Queens. They have white or grey skin with black spots and brownish-black shells.
Snapping turtles are the official reptile of New York State and one of the largest freshwater turtles in North America. They are commonly found in parks with bodies of water, such as Central Park and Prospect Park. They have long, ridged tails that can measure as long as their shells, and they eat plant material, small fish, invertebrates, and even young waterfowl.
It is important to note that while turtles can be found in New York City parks, it is illegal to release pet turtles into these natural areas. Unwanted pets can harm the local ecosystem and native wildlife, outcompeting native species for resources, and may not survive in the wild themselves.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, painted turtles are native to New York. They are commonly seen basking on rocks, logs, and the shores of freshwater ponds and lakes throughout the city.
It is illegal to own or sell painted turtles in New York without a 'License to Possess'. A permit is required to possess all non-native species that are listed as endangered or threatened.
To obtain a permit or special license, you can call 1 800 TIPP DEC.
It is important to give your pet turtle a well-balanced reptile diet. Consult a local veterinarian on the proper diet for your animal. Do not release your pet turtle into the wild as they likely wouldn't survive and could harm the ecosystem.
