Reptile and Amphibian Regulations

CPW is considering updating current regulations related to reptiles and amphibians. The public feedback period closed on November 6, 2025. Public feedback was considered by CPW staff to help inform draft herpetofauna regulations. Draft herpetofauna regulations are scheduled to be considered by the Parks and Wildlife Commission (PWC) as an informational item at the January 14-15, 2026 PWC meeting. The PWC is tentatively scheduled to consider final herpetofauna regulations for approval at the March 4-5, 2026 PWC meeting.

Background and Current Regulations

CPW is responsible for managing approximately 70 species of herpetofauna, reptiles & amphibians in Colorado. Division staff, in collaboration with partners, monitor reptile and amphibian populations and determine conservation priorities, including as part of the State Wildlife Action Plan.

CPW regulations also dictate which wildlife species, including reptiles and amphibians, may be kept by the general public. Regulations found in Chapter W-11 classify animals as regulated wildlife, unregulated wildlife, or domesticated animals. Unregulated wildlife and domesticated animals listed in Chapter W-11 are exempt from many CPW regulations and may be kept by the public. Regulated wildlife include species that are native to the state of Colorado. Members of the public are prohibited from keeping regulated herptile species, with exceptions for special license recipients (e.g., commercial wildlife parks) and for the collection of select species of reptiles and amphibians.

Regulations in Chapter W-10 allow for the collection and possession of some reptile and amphibian species from the wild. There are presently 17 species that may be collected with limitations on the number of animals that may be collected annually (4 individuals of each species) and the number of animals possessed in the aggregate at any time (12 individuals total). Regulations prohibit collected animals from being sold, traded, or bartered and there are restrictions on releasing a collected animal back into the wild.

What Changes are Being Considered

CPW staff are considering potential revisions and clarifications to reptile and amphibian regulations. Staff are also assessing how relevant policies are communicated to the public and the location of applicable provisions within CPW regulations.

Recent concerns over herpetofauna declines tied to increased trade and illegal trafficking prompted CPW staff to specifically consider the collection of wild reptiles and amphibians allowed in regulation and to develop alternatives for revised collection regulations. Public and stakeholder feedback on the collection regulation alternatives will inform CPW’s staff recommendation that will be presented to the PWC in 2026.

Other suggested changes to reptile and amphibian regulations raised through citizen petitions or other channels may also be considered during the development of regulatory recommendations.

How was the Public Engaged?

A virtual public webinar was held on October 7, 2025 to provide an overview of current regulations and potential changes, gather initial data on public opinion related to wild herpetofauna collection, and answer questions. Following the public webinar, a feedback form was available through November 6, 2025.

CPW staff also held a stakeholder meeting on October 28, 2025. Attendees advised CPW staff on issues with current regulations and draft regulation development. Stakeholder participants included representatives from local and national organizations, including conservationists, reptile and amphibian rescue groups, reptile keepers, and animal welfare advocates. Technical experts in reptile and amphibian sciences and handling also participated.

Regulation Approval Process

Draft herpetofauna regulations are scheduled to be considered by the Parks and Wildlife Commission (PWC) as an informational item at the January 14-15, 2026 PWC meeting. The PWC is tentatively scheduled to consider final herpetofauna regulations for approval at the March 4-5, 2026 PWC meeting. More information on how to submit public comments to the PWC is available on the PWC webpage.