Is it illegal to own a 3 toed box turtle in Arkansas?

Turtle Ownership Laws in Arkansas Pet turtles cannot be sold or traded. It’s illegal to own Alligator Snapping Turtles, Box Turtles, or Chicken Turtles, without a permit.

Is it illegal to have a box turtle in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission states that ornate box turtles are very rare and subject to extinction here. For that reason, state law prohibits keeping them as pets.

What kind of box turtles live in Arkansas?

Two species of box turtle occur in the state, the three-toed and the ornate, the latter of which is protected and is illegal to possess or collect. Box turtles get their name from the hinged plastron (lower shell).

Can three-toed box turtles be pets?

Found from Missouri south to Texas and Alabama, the three-toed box turtle is named for the three toes on its hind feet; the other box turtles have four. These handsome, classic-looking turtles are native to the United States and are among the most popular pets for turtle enthusiasts.

Is it legal to catch turtles in Arkansas?

Arkansas allows turtle harvesting from waters across roughly half the state, including the entirety of the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers. According to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission harvest report records, 126,381 freshwater turtles were harvested from 2014 to 2016.

Are turtles protected in Arkansas?

The alligator snapping turtle is protected from exploitation in most states, including Arkansas. In 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it was proposing to label the alligator snapping turtle as a threatened species. For additional information: Ernst, Carl.

Is it OK to keep a box turtle?

Box turtles can make great pets if cared for properly. Before bringing any pet – reptile or other – home, be sure to do research to learn about its requirements, so that you can properly care for it. Most box turtles do not get very large (unlike tortoises).

What does a 3 toed box turtle eat?

Three-toed box turtles eat a wide variety of food items, including insects, insect larvae, earthworms, carrion, fruits, and other vegetation. Apparently, as these turtles age, vegetation and fruits become more important in their diets compared with juveniles.

Where are box turtles found in Arkansas?

The three-toed box turtle is found statewide in grassland and woodland habitats and is the most frequently encountered of the two species. The ornate box turtle is limited to prairie remnants in Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas River Valley, Grand Prairie and the Delta.

What types of turtles are in Arkansas?

Types Of Turtles In Arkansas

  • Common Map Turtle.
  • Common Snapping Turtle.
  • Alligator Snapping Turtle.
  • Common Musk Turtle.
  • Mississippi Map Turtle.
  • Missouri River Cooter.
  • Mississippi Mud Turtle.
  • Ornate Box Turtle.

How long do 3 toed box turtles live in captivity?

The typical three-toed box turtle lifespan is around 30 to 40 years when bred in captivity. However, the lifespan of this reptile can vary greatly depending on where it comes from (and where it’s kept). Three-toed box turtles living in the wild can live for up to 100 years!