Arkansas reptile research center

08/26/2019

We have reached the time of the year when most people are going to encounter snakes in the yard in the early mornings, and in the evenings. Instead of killing it, snap a picture and send it to us. We will be glad to ID it for you, tell you exactly what it is, and if it’s dangerous; And help you get it removed safely.

03/13/2019

It is nearly time for area reptiles to start becoming active again.

09/30/2018

They are excepting public comments until October 18 if you want to be heard now is the time.

Update: After hearing from speakers, including USARK President Phil Goss, the Commissioners approved a motion to delay the final vote on this proposal until the Commission meeting on January 17, 2019. The temporary moratorium on the importation of venomous reptiles was extended 90 days.

Arkansas Action Alert
Deadline to comment: October 16

Summary: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC, or Commission) is amending the state's captive wildlife regulation. There are two major components:

1. Formation of a three-tiered system to categorize species consisting of an unrestricted list, permitted list, and prohibited list.
2. New venomous reptile regulation.

There have already been several changes and we appreciate the cooperation from the Commission to this point. However, we still find the proposal to be flawed and overbearing. We are not opposed to common sense regulation and have been aiding the Commission on this matter. The new regulation could be good with just a tweak or two.

All details at www.usark.org/arkansas-action-alert/.

09/30/2018

This is good news for the reptile community.

Lawsuit update: U.S. Court of Appeals says USARK got it right!

Click here for more: www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526.91819.397170450364914/1349058508509432/?type=3&theater

Briefly, it is even more than just a win on the appeal. The Court of Appeals determined that, as a matter of law, the Lacey Act does not prohibit transportation and commerce of species listed as injurious between the continental states. That issue is decided in the eyes of the U.S. Court of Appeals.

"The government submits that the shipment clause bars those shipments as well. ARK argues otherwise. We agree with ARK."

Final line of opinion: "For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the district court’s judgment and hold as a matter of law that the government lacks authority under the shipment clause to prohibit shipments of injurious species between the continental States."

We'll have a formal newsletter soon. MOST IMPORTANTLY! This is a time to continue to act as a responsible reptile community and for proper self-policing of those acting otherwise. There are still steps in the process before those without USARK verification letters should be shipping species which are part of the injunction, or any other species listed as injurious. USARK will keep the h**p community posted as always. And please be aware that any relevant State laws are still effective.

HUGE thank you to Richard Stanley, our legal team, supporters, donors and everyone else who made this possible.

LINK:http://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/USARK-Lawsuit-Appeals-Mem-Op.pdf

06/16/2018

Bad news for the state of Arkansas! We need to fight this, or everybody will lose the ability to keep the animals they love.

If you keep, or would like to keep venomous animals as a hobby it’s time to fight!

"An Education, Conservation and Advocacy Organization for Herpetofauna… Promoting Awareness, Responsible Care & Professional Unity"

05/05/2018

Still working out the details but we may be giving a short presentation in Fort Smith this Tuesday.