The Alberta Health Act and the federal Plant Protection Act basically prohibited the import or sale of sliders, cooters, painted, map, and snapping turtles. Changes to the Wildlife Act made most turtles legal to own.Turtles, like other reptiles, commonly carry Salmonella.
A small number of Alberta wildlife species that are classified as non-licence animals under the provincial Wildlife Act can be kept as a pet without a permit. However, because of the risk of spreading rabies, bats, skunks or raccoons cannot be kept as pets.
Never take a turtle (or any wild animal) home with you; not only is this illegal in Ontario, but it is also damaging to wild turtle populations.These non-native species often carry diseases that can be deadly to our own turtles. Also, the competition they present is also detrimental to Ontario’s turtles.
Turtle and tortoise laws and regulations for California. 1. It is unlawful to sell, purchase, harm, take, possess, or transport any native tortoise (Gopherus). Non-natives are legal.
As a Red Eared Slider, Dobbie is a unique turtle because in Alberta it’s illegal to sell Red Eared Sliders, so it is rare for us to see one at the shelter; and they require some unique care as well.
The Alberta Wildlife Act and Species at Risk legislation prohibits possession of additional species. The Alberta Health Act and the federal Plant Protection Act basically prohibited the import or sale of sliders, cooters, painted, map, and snapping turtles. Changes to the Wildlife Act made most turtles legal to own.
Hedgehogs are now legal in Alberta with a temporary shelter permit.
It’s no secret that turtles are known to live longer lives than many other pets. Some species of tortoises can live 100 years or more.
How Long Do Turtles Live?
| Typical Lifespans of Popular Pet Turtles in Captivity | |
|---|---|
| Wood Turtle | 40 to 55 years |
| Eastern Box Turtle | 50+ years |
| Painted Turtle | 25 to 30 years |
| Russian Tortoise | 40+ years |
Tiny turtles are especially risky and are illegal to sell as pets in the US. CDC investigates many Salmonella outbreaks linked to pet reptiles.In fact, the sale of tiny pet turtles has been banned in the US since 1975 because of the number of illnesses they cause and the risk to children.
It’s illegal to sell or distribute pet turtles with shells less than 4 inches long because they spread salmonella.
The painted turtle is the only turtle species native to Alberta. In Canada, their range extends from Lake Nipigon in Ontario, to Vancouver Island. In Alberta, hey are found in a few locations in Southern Alberta, in the Milk River drainage basin, Cypress Hills, the upper Oldman River.
Alberta’s Cold-blooded Neighbours
Nine different reptile species are known to occur in Alberta, including 7 snakes, 1 lizard, and 1 turtle. The greatest diversity of reptiles is found in the grasslands natural region of southern Alberta.
Not allowed to bring through customs and most municipalities say no now. Big fines if caught.
The Act provides for the protection and conservation of wild animals in Alberta. It defines controls for hunting and trapping of wildlife and possession of wildlife and wildlife parts, as well as the sale, import and export of wildlife, controlled animals and endangered species.
Can you legally have a pet monkey in Alberta? The answer is no. According to the Alberta Wildlife Act, there are certain animals that the government of Alberta has deemed to be “too dangerous” to own. Primates in general are across the board banned in Alberta as pets.
Pythons a no-no as pets in Alberta.
It is illegal to own pet rats in Alberta.
Since 1950, Alberta has had a program to keep rats out of the province.
There are parts of the bylaw that apply to every Calgarian.”People with a Livestock Emotional Support Animal permit can house specific livestock within Calgary. There are currently five households with livestock as emotional support animals, including chickens, sheep, ducks and a pig.
Are foxes legal ➝ NO (unless you apply for a permit to the Wildlife Ministries of Alberta and get an approbation).
Turtles can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings, even while looking healthy and clean. These germs can easily spread to their bodies, tank water, and habitats. People can get sick after they touch a turtle or anything in their habitats.
There are many traits to look for on your pet turtle that will tell you exactly what type of turtle you have. By identifying the patterns and shapes of the shells, whether the feet are webbed or clawed, as well as any markings or color patters, you can better match your turtle to its correct species.