Nongame Species Protected by Alabama Regulations

220-2-.92 Nongame Species Regulation

(1) It shall be unlawful to take, capture, kill, or attempt to take, capture or kill; possess, sell, trade for anything of monetary value, or offer to sell or trade for anything of monetary value, the following nongame wildlife species (or any parts or reproductive products of such species) without a scientific collection permit or written permit from the Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which shall specifically state what the permittee may do with regard to said species:

(a) FISHES

(b) AMPHIBIANS

(c) REPTILES

(d) BIRDS

(e) MAMMALS

(f) Other State or Federally protected nongame species.

In addition any required federal permits for federally protected species must be obtained.

(2) It shall be unlawful to possess more than one box turtle or to offer for sale, sell, or trade for anything of value any box turtle (Terrapene spp.), box turtle part or reproductive product except by permit as outlined in paragraph (1).

(3) It shall be unlawful to collect, harvest, possess, offer for sale, sell or trade for anything of value any common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) or soft shell turtles (Apalone ferox, Apalone muticus muticus, Apalone muticus calvatus, Apalone spiniferus spiniferus, Abalone spiniferus asper) with a carapace length between four (4)inches and twelve (12) inches.   (Except any species protected under this paragraph taken in a private pond by a pond owner or his agent while controlling nuisance animals is exempt but may not be sold or offered for sale or traded for anything of value).

(4) It shall be unlawful for any person to take or possess more than ten (10) legally taken turtles per day on the public waters or banks of the public waters of this state.

(5) Informational Note: See Section 9-11-269, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to protection of the flattened musk turtle (Sternotherus minor depressus).

Statutory Authority:
§§9-2-7, 9-2-8, and 9-2-12, Code of Alabama 1975 and Act No. 82-424 Acts of Alabama.

PENALTY: As provided by law.
7/18/87; 1/2/90; 9/16/92; 11/18/94; 10/19/95; 9/23/97;7/30/98(ER); 12/3/98; 5/7/99; 7/20/99(ER); 10/19/99; 7/15/2000; 7/25/2001; 8/21/2002; 7/22/2003; 7/16/2004; 11/23/2005; 9/15/2006; 6/27/2007; 10/18/2007.

Federally Listed Threatened and Endangered Species in Alabama

Alabama's Nongame Wildlife Program

Very few state government program officials can say, "Alabama citizens donate the funds that make our program work."  But it's true of the Department of Conservation's Nongame Wildlife program, managed by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries since 1984.  In less than ten years, the Nongame Wildlife Program has completed several major projects statewide.  We hope you will continue to support the worthwhile efforts to conserve Alabama's eagles, brown pelicans, shorebirds, and songbirds.  Help us continue to expand our projects by checking off for the Nongame Wildlife Fund on Form 40 or Form 40A on your state income tax form.  Return a Gift to Wildlife for all the pleasures wildlife gives you.

Some Results of the Nongame Wildlife Program

• Released 91 bald eagles to restore a nesting population of our national symbol in Alabama.
• Monitored bald eagle nesting activity. There are several successful eagle nests each year and productivity is now nearing recovery plan goals. See The Bald Eagle in Alabama
• Released 66 ospreys to restore this majestic bird to our inland rivers and lakes.
• Built more than 10,000 bluebird nest boxes and coordinated more than 1,000 volunteers to "Bring Back the Bluebird."
• Managed and protected Gaillard Island, Mobile Bay to produce more than 10,000 brown pelicans in eight years-more pelicans produced in Alabama than in the last century.
• Conducted annual shorebird surveys to help monitor the condition of valuable wetland habitat.
• Assisted in studies of turtles, nongame fish, mussels, rare frogs, bats, and salamanders.
• Initiated a monitoring program to conserve Alabama's songbirds.

For more information contact:
Mark Sasser, Nongame Wildlife Coordinator
Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
64 North Union Street
Montgomery, AL  36130
334-242-3469