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| Regulations by Species |
| REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS - Seasons & Limits |
The following regulations apply to reptiles and amphibians.
They DO NOT apply to endangered and threatened species. |
| Species |
Season |
Daily Limit |
Possession Limit |
| Bullfrog |
July 1 through October 31 |
10 (combined species) |
20 (combined species) |
| Green Frog |
July 1 through October 31 |
10 (combined species) |
20 (combined species) |
| Snapping Turtle |
July 1 through October 31 |
15 |
30 |
| Amphibian Eggs and Tadpoles |
No closed season |
15 (combined species) |
15 (combined species) |
| Timber Rattlesnake* |
June 12 through July 31 |
1 annual limit** (must be at least 42 inches in length, measured lengthwise along the dorsal surface from the snout to the tail, excluding the rattle, and must possess 21 or more subcaudal scales.***) |
| Northern Copperhead |
June 12 through July 31 |
1 annual limit** |
| Native species not listed on this page |
No closed season |
1 |
1 |
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* It is unlawful to hunt, take, catch, or kill timber rattlesnakes west of Route 15 and south of Interstate 81 to the Maryland line where there is no open season.
** It is unlawful to possess, take, catch, or kill more than one timber rattlesnake or northern copperhead per calendar year except as provided in Chapter 79.7(f) (Fish & Boat Code) relating to organized reptile and amphibian hunt permits. It is unlawful to possess more than one timber rattlesnake or northern copperhead at any time except as provided in Chapter 79.7(f) (Fish & Boat Code).
*** Subcaudal scales are large flat scales located on the underside of a timber rattlesnake between the vent (anal scale) and the base of the tail rattle. |
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The following reptile and amphibian species have NO OPEN SEASON.
The DAILY LIMIT is 0 (zero) and POSSESSION LIMIT is 0 (zero). |
| SNAKES |
Eastern Hognose Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake
Eastern Worm Snake
Mountain Earth Snake
Queen Snake
Shorthead Garter Snake
Smooth Earth Snake
Smooth Green Snake |
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| SALAMANDERS |
Eastern Hellbender
Four-toed Salamander
Jefferson Salamander
Marbled Salamander
Mudpuppy
Ravine Salamander |
| SKINKS/LIZARD |
Broadhead Skink
Northern Coal Skink
Northern Fence Lizard |
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| FROGS |
Northern Cricket Frog
Mountain Chorus Frog
Striped Chorus Frog Complex |
| TURTLES |
Blanding’s Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Spotted Turtle
Wood Turtle |
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| Permits |
| A permit is required to hunt timber rattlesnakes and northern copperhead snakes.
A permit is required to hunt, take, catch, or kill common snapping turtles for the purpose of sale, barter, or trade.
Permit applications for these two permits must be mailed to: PA Fish & Boat Commission, Bureau of Law Enforcement, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. |
| Additional Restrictions |
ALL Reptiles and Amphibians
- A fishing license is required to catch or take reptiles and amphibians from the waters of the Commonwealth. A fishing license is not required for reptiles and amphibians on land.
- Unless otherwise indicated, reptiles and amphibians may only be taken by hand, hook, snake tongs, turtle hooks, traps, and nets less than four feet square or four feet in diameter.
- It is unlawful to take, catch, or kill a reptile or amphibian through the use of firearms, chemicals, explosives, winches, jacks, or other devices.
- It is unlawful to damage or disrupt the nest or eggs of a reptile or to gather, take or possess the eggs of any reptile in the natural environment of this Commonwealth.
- Except for snapping turtles taken by commercial permit, reptiles and amphibians, whether dead or alive, in whole
or parts, including eggs or any life stage taken from within the Commonwealth may not be sold or
offered for sale.
- Taking, catching, and possessing amphibians and reptiles in Department of Conservation and Natural Resources natural
areas designated by posters is prohibited.
Frogs
- The use of artificial light to take frogs at night is illegal.
- Frogs may be taken with long bow and arrow, including compound bows, crossbows, spears, or gigs. Spears or gigs may not have more than five barbs and cannot be used in approved
trout waters.
Turtles
- Set-lines, turtle traps, or other devices for catching turtles must include a tag indicating the name, address, and phone number of the owner or user. Traps, nets, or other devices must be of a floating or partially submerged design so as to allow for the release of untargeted turtles. Hooks must be at least 3.5 inches long with not less than one inch space between the point and shank of the hook. The number of lines or hooks per line is unlimited.
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| ENDANGERED SPECIES |
| The Commission has identified some species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, and
aquatic organisms as endangered, threatened, or candidate species. Endangered and threatened species face
extirpation from the Commonwealth. Candidate species may be more abundant but face similar perils. To
obtain a current list, write to: PA Fish & Boat Commission, Environmental Services Division, Natural Diversity
Section, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823. |
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| Snapping Turtle Consumption Advice |
| Snapping turtle meat has been found to contain only small amounts of PCB’s and is safe to eat without restrictions. Snapping turtles do retain PCBs in their fat and internal organs. If you choose to eat snapping turtles, you can reduce your exposure by carefully trimming away all fat and internal organs and discarding them before cooking the meat or making soup. |
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