Exotic pet laws in West Virginia

W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1, 58-73-4.5; W. Va. Code § 20-2-4(a)

The take or possession of any native West Virginia reptile or amphibian species not listed hereafter is prohibited pursuant to W. Va. Code 20-2-4.

West Virginia bars its own reptiles rather than exotic ones, which is the opposite of how most states are built and the reason this reads as banned while a bearded dragon here is legal. 58-73-1.1 prohibits taking or possessing any native species not listed later in the rule, and section 4 lists ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and two turtles, the snapping turtle and the eastern spiny softshell. No snake and no lizard is anywhere in it. The DNR summary of the rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians. The DNR checklist names the Woodland Box Turtle (Terrapene c. carolina), and the two turtles 58-73-4.5 does allow are the eastern spiny softshell and the snapping turtle.

How this rule works: A closed list for natives. Section 4 names ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and exactly two turtles. No lizard and no snake appears anywhere in it, and 58-73-1.1 says possession of any native species not listed is prohibited. The DNR summary of this rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1, 58-73-4; W. Va. Code § 20-2-4(a)

The take or possession of any native West Virginia reptile or amphibian species not listed hereafter is prohibited pursuant to W. Va. Code 20-2-4.

West Virginia bars its own reptiles rather than exotic ones, which is the opposite of how most states are built and the reason this reads as banned while a bearded dragon here is legal. 58-73-1.1 prohibits taking or possessing any native species not listed later in the rule, and section 4 lists ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and two turtles, the snapping turtle and the eastern spiny softshell. No snake and no lizard is anywhere in it. The DNR summary of the rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians. The DNR checklist names both the Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra) and the Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis g. niger).

How this rule works: A closed list for natives. Section 4 names ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and exactly two turtles. No lizard and no snake appears anywhere in it, and 58-73-1.1 says possession of any native species not listed is prohibited. The DNR summary of this rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-4; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.g.2

3.1.g.2. Lynxes, including Canadian lynxes, Eurasian lynxes, and Iberian lynxes;

Named on the Dangerous Wild Animal list, and § 19-34-4(a) bars possessing a listed animal. The only permit in § 19-34-4(b) is for someone who already lawfully had the animal before the rules took effect, and § 19-34-6(b)(1) then bars breeding, receiving or replacing one.

Existing owners: Lawfully possessed before the board's rules took effect, then permitted annually by the board, with no breeding, acquiring or replacing.

How this rule works: Unusual structure. § 19-34-4 bans possession of a dangerous wild animal, § 19-34-2 defines the term by character rather than by species, and § 19-34-5 directs a three member board to write the actual list by legislative rule. The statute names no animal, so it never answers anything on its own. The board did write the list: W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, effective April 5, 2022. Read that, and read W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 with § 20-2-4 for anything native, because this Act has nothing to say about a West Virginia species.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-4; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.o

3.1.o. Nonhuman primates, excluding: 3.1.o.1. Lemurs; 3.1.o.2. Golden lion, black faced lion, golden-rumped lion, cotton top, emperor, saddlebacked, blackmantled, and Geoffroys tamarins;

Every nonhuman primate is on the Dangerous Wild Animal list unless one of eleven exclusions names it, and none names a capuchin. § 19-34-4(a) bars possessing a listed animal, and the only permit in § 19-34-4(b) is for someone who already lawfully had it before the rules took effect, with § 19-34-6(b)(1) barring breeding, receiving or replacing one.

Existing owners: Lawfully possessed before the board's rules took effect, then permitted by the board, with no breeding, acquiring or replacing.

How this rule works: Unusual structure. § 19-34-4 bans possession of a dangerous wild animal, § 19-34-2 defines the term by character rather than by species, and § 19-34-5 directs a three member board to write the actual list by legislative rule. The statute names no animal, so it never answers anything on its own. The board did write the list: W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, effective April 5, 2022. Read that, and read W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 with § 20-2-4 for anything native, because this Act has nothing to say about a West Virginia species.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-4; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.o

3.1.o. Nonhuman primates, excluding: 3.1.o.1. Lemurs; 3.1.o.2. Golden lion, black faced lion, golden-rumped lion, cotton top, emperor, saddlebacked, blackmantled, and Geoffroys tamarins;

Every nonhuman primate is on the Dangerous Wild Animal list unless one of eleven exclusions names it. The exclusions name eight tamarins and Goeldi's monkey but no marmoset. § 19-34-4(a) bars possessing a listed animal, and the only permit in § 19-34-4(b) is for someone who already lawfully had it before the rules took effect, with § 19-34-6(b)(1) barring breeding, receiving or replacing one.

Existing owners: Lawfully possessed before the board's rules took effect, then permitted by the board, with no breeding, acquiring or replacing.

How this rule works: Unusual structure. § 19-34-4 bans possession of a dangerous wild animal, § 19-34-2 defines the term by character rather than by species, and § 19-34-5 directs a three member board to write the actual list by legislative rule. The statute names no animal, so it never answers anything on its own. The board did write the list: W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, effective April 5, 2022. Read that, and read W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 with § 20-2-4 for anything native, because this Act has nothing to say about a West Virginia species.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1, 58-73-4; W. Va. Code § 20-2-4(a)

The take or possession of any native West Virginia reptile or amphibian species not listed hereafter is prohibited pursuant to W. Va. Code 20-2-4.

West Virginia bars its own reptiles rather than exotic ones, which is the opposite of how most states are built and the reason this reads as banned while a bearded dragon here is legal. 58-73-1.1 prohibits taking or possessing any native species not listed later in the rule, and section 4 lists ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and two turtles, the snapping turtle and the eastern spiny softshell. No snake and no lizard is anywhere in it. The DNR summary of the rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians. The DNR checklist names the Cornsnake (Pantherophis guttatus) among the state twenty-two snakes, which is easy to miss because West Virginia is at the northern edge of its range.

How this rule works: A closed list for natives. Section 4 names ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and exactly two turtles. No lizard and no snake appears anywhere in it, and 58-73-1.1 says possession of any native species not listed is prohibited. The DNR summary of this rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-4; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.g.3

3.1.c. Lions; 3.1.d. Tigers; ... 3.1.g. All of the following, including hybrids with domestic cats unless otherwise specified: ... 3.1.g.3. Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions;

Cougars are named on the Dangerous Wild Animal list, "also known as pumas or mountain lions". § 19-34-4(a) bars possessing a listed animal, and the only permit in § 19-34-4(b) is for someone who already lawfully had it before the rules took effect, with § 19-34-6(b)(1) barring breeding, receiving or replacing one. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a cougar unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says. The Florida panther subspecies is also endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Existing owners: Lawfully possessed before the board's rules took effect, then permitted by the board, with no breeding, acquiring or replacing.

How this rule works: Unusual structure. § 19-34-4 bans possession of a dangerous wild animal, § 19-34-2 defines the term by character rather than by species, and § 19-34-5 directs a three member board to write the actual list by legislative rule. The statute names no animal, so it never answers anything on its own. The board did write the list: W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, effective April 5, 2022. Read that, and read W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 with § 20-2-4 for anything native, because this Act has nothing to say about a West Virginia species.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1, 58-73-4; W. Va. Code § 20-2-4(a)

The take or possession of any native West Virginia reptile or amphibian species not listed hereafter is prohibited pursuant to W. Va. Code 20-2-4.

West Virginia bars its own reptiles rather than exotic ones, which is the opposite of how most states are built and the reason this reads as banned while a bearded dragon here is legal. 58-73-1.1 prohibits taking or possessing any native species not listed later in the rule, and section 4 lists ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and two turtles, the snapping turtle and the eastern spiny softshell. No snake and no lizard is anywhere in it. The DNR summary of the rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians. The DNR checklist names the Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis) among the state twenty-two snakes.

How this rule works: A closed list for natives. Section 4 names ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and exactly two turtles. No lizard and no snake appears anywhere in it, and 58-73-1.1 says possession of any native species not listed is prohibited. The DNR summary of this rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1, 58-73-4; W. Va. Code § 20-2-4(a)

The take or possession of any native West Virginia reptile or amphibian species not listed hereafter is prohibited pursuant to W. Va. Code 20-2-4.

West Virginia bars its own reptiles rather than exotic ones, which is the opposite of how most states are built and the reason this reads as banned while a bearded dragon here is legal. 58-73-1.1 prohibits taking or possessing any native species not listed later in the rule, and section 4 lists ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and two turtles, the snapping turtle and the eastern spiny softshell. No snake and no lizard is anywhere in it. The DNR summary of the rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians. The DNR checklist names the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) among the state twenty-two snakes.

How this rule works: A closed list for natives. Section 4 names ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and exactly two turtles. No lizard and no snake appears anywhere in it, and 58-73-1.1 says possession of any native species not listed is prohibited. The DNR summary of this rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-4; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.c

3.1.c. Lions; 3.1.d. Tigers; ... 3.1.g. All of the following, including hybrids with domestic cats unless otherwise specified: ... 3.1.g.3. Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions;

Lions are named on the Dangerous Wild Animal list. § 19-34-4(a) bars possessing a listed animal, and the only permit in § 19-34-4(b) is for someone who already lawfully had it before the rules took effect, with § 19-34-6(b)(1) barring breeding, receiving or replacing one. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a lion unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

Existing owners: Lawfully possessed before the board's rules took effect, then permitted by the board, with no breeding, acquiring or replacing.

How this rule works: Unusual structure. § 19-34-4 bans possession of a dangerous wild animal, § 19-34-2 defines the term by character rather than by species, and § 19-34-5 directs a three member board to write the actual list by legislative rule. The statute names no animal, so it never answers anything on its own. The board did write the list: W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, effective April 5, 2022. Read that, and read W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 with § 20-2-4 for anything native, because this Act has nothing to say about a West Virginia species.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1, 58-73-4; W. Va. Code § 20-2-4(a)

The take or possession of any native West Virginia reptile or amphibian species not listed hereafter is prohibited pursuant to W. Va. Code 20-2-4.

West Virginia bars its own reptiles rather than exotic ones, which is the opposite of how most states are built and the reason this reads as banned while a bearded dragon here is legal. 58-73-1.1 prohibits taking or possessing any native species not listed later in the rule, and section 4 lists ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and two turtles, the snapping turtle and the eastern spiny softshell. No snake and no lizard is anywhere in it. The DNR summary of the rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians. The DNR checklist names the Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis t. triangulum) among the state twenty-two snakes.

How this rule works: A closed list for natives. Section 4 names ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and exactly two turtles. No lizard and no snake appears anywhere in it, and 58-73-1.1 says possession of any native species not listed is prohibited. The DNR summary of this rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-4; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.o

3.1.o. Nonhuman primates, excluding: 3.1.o.1. Lemurs; 3.1.o.2. Golden lion, black faced lion, golden-rumped lion, cotton top, emperor, saddlebacked, blackmantled, and Geoffroys tamarins;

Every nonhuman primate is on the Dangerous Wild Animal list unless one of eleven exclusions names it, and none names a squirrel monkey. § 19-34-4(a) bars possessing a listed animal, and the only permit in § 19-34-4(b) is for someone who already lawfully had it before the rules took effect, with § 19-34-6(b)(1) barring breeding, receiving or replacing one.

Existing owners: Lawfully possessed before the board's rules took effect, then permitted by the board, with no breeding, acquiring or replacing.

How this rule works: Unusual structure. § 19-34-4 bans possession of a dangerous wild animal, § 19-34-2 defines the term by character rather than by species, and § 19-34-5 directs a three member board to write the actual list by legislative rule. The statute names no animal, so it never answers anything on its own. The board did write the list: W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, effective April 5, 2022. Read that, and read W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 with § 20-2-4 for anything native, because this Act has nothing to say about a West Virginia species.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-4; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.d

3.1.c. Lions; 3.1.d. Tigers; ... 3.1.g. All of the following, including hybrids with domestic cats unless otherwise specified: ... 3.1.g.3. Cougars, also known as pumas or mountain lions;

Tigers are named on the Dangerous Wild Animal list. § 19-34-4(a) bars possessing a listed animal, and the only permit in § 19-34-4(b) is for someone who already lawfully had it before the rules took effect, with § 19-34-6(b)(1) barring breeding, receiving or replacing one. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a tiger unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

Existing owners: Lawfully possessed before the board's rules took effect, then permitted by the board, with no breeding, acquiring or replacing.

How this rule works: Unusual structure. § 19-34-4 bans possession of a dangerous wild animal, § 19-34-2 defines the term by character rather than by species, and § 19-34-5 directs a three member board to write the actual list by legislative rule. The statute names no animal, so it never answers anything on its own. The board did write the list: W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, effective April 5, 2022. Read that, and read W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 with § 20-2-4 for anything native, because this Act has nothing to say about a West Virginia species.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. An ackie monitor is a reptile and an Australian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-2-13, 20-1-2; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

A American alligator is a reptile from outside West Virginia: § 20-1-2 counts reptiles as wildlife with no nativity limit, so one brought in from outside the state needs an importation permit from the director under § 20-2-13, the Burmese python's position. The board's Dangerous Wild Animal list names no snake and no crocodilian, although § 19-34-5 allowed both.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.h; W. Va. Code § 20-1-2, § 20-2-4(a), § 20-2-51

3.1.h. Bears; (excluding black bears native to this state);

The board's list carves the native black bear out of its bear entry in terms, and the black bear is a game animal by name in § 20-1-2. That leaves Chapter 20, where § 20-2-4(a) bars captivity except as provided and § 20-2-51 provides a pet permit for an animal from a commercial dealer or the open season. On the words a black bear is in the same position as a raccoon, which is surprising enough that the DNR's practice deserves a check before anyone relies on it.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. An Argentine black and white tegu is a reptile and a South American species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. An axolotl is an amphibian and a Mexican species with no West Virginia population, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A ball python is a reptile and a West African species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A bearded dragon is a reptile and an Australian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A blue-tongue skink is a reptile and an Australian and Indonesian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A boa constrictor is a reptile and a Latin American species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 19-34-2(2), § 20-1-2, § 20-2-4(a), § 20-2-51; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3.1.g.2

The director may issue a permit to a person to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal or wild bird that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season. The fee therefor shall be $2.

The Dangerous Wild Animal list names "Lynxes, including Canadian lynxes, Eurasian lynxes, and Iberian lynxes" and leaves the bobcat out, and § 19-34-2(2) excludes "wildlife" from the Act altogether. The bobcat is a native fur-bearer, so it falls to Chapter 20 instead, where § 20-2-51 is the pet permit. Worth checking with the DNR, since the board's lynx line could be read to reach Lynx rufus as a member of the genus.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A Burmese python is a reptile and a Southeast Asian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-2-13, 20-1-2; W. Va. Code § 19-34-5(c)(2)(E)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

A cobra is wildlife from without the state: § 20-1-2 counts reptiles as wildlife with no nativity limit, so one brought in from outside the state needs an importation permit from the director under § 20-2-13, the Burmese python's position. The board's Dangerous Wild Animal list names no snake and no crocodilian, although § 19-34-5 allowed both. The king cobra and the Asian Naja species are on CITES Appendix II, which governs import and export, not keeping.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A crested gecko is a reptile and a New Caledonian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-1-2, 20-2-4(a), 20-2-51

The director may issue a permit to a person to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal or wild bird that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season. The fee therefor shall be $2.

The gray squirrel is a West Virginia game animal by name, "gray squirrels and all their color phases", and a native mammal, so § 20-2-4(a) makes it unlawful to keep one in captivity except as the chapter provides. § 20-2-51 is that provision: a two dollar pet permit from the director, for an animal acquired from a commercial dealer or taken in the open season, the flying squirrel's position.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-1-2, § 20-2-4(a), § 20-2-51

The director may issue a permit to a person to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal or wild bird that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season. The fee therefor shall be $2.

A flying squirrel is a mammal native to West Virginia, so it is a wild animal under § 20-1-2 and § 20-2-4(a) makes it unlawful to maintain one in captivity except as the chapter or a rule provides. § 20-2-51 is that provision and it is unusually direct about pets: a two dollar permit from the director, for an animal acquired from a commercial dealer or taken in the open season. The DNR names the West Virginia northern flying squirrel, Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus, as a state species, and the southern flying squirrel shares the state with it. A West Virginia citation naming Glaucomys volans specifically was not found, so if the department treats only the northern species as native the analysis would need revisiting.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-2-13, 20-1-2; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

A green anaconda is a reptile from outside West Virginia: § 20-1-2 counts reptiles as wildlife with no nativity limit, so one brought in from outside the state needs an importation permit from the director under § 20-2-13, the Burmese python's position. The board's Dangerous Wild Animal list names no snake and no crocodilian, although § 19-34-5 allowed both. Federally, the green anaconda has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A green anole is a reptile, and the WVDNR checklist of the state’s six lizards names the eastern six-lined racerunner, the northern coal skink, the common five-lined skink, the broad-headed skink, the eastern fence lizard and the little brown skink, with no anole among them, so § 58-73’s native bar does not reach it and the importation permit does. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A green iguana is a reptile and a Latin American species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A Jackson’s chameleon is a reptile and an East African species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A leopard gecko is a reptile and a species of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Iran, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A Nile monitor is a reptile and an African species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-1-2, § 20-2-4(a), § 20-2-51

The director may issue a permit to a person to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal or wild bird that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season. The fee therefor shall be $2.

The raccoon is a mammal native to West Virginia and a game animal by name in § 20-1-2, so § 20-2-4(a) bars keeping one in captivity except as the chapter provides. § 20-2-51 is the provision that does: a two dollar pet permit from the director for an animal bought from a commercial dealer or taken in the open season. Being native keeps it off the Dangerous Wild Animal list, which excludes wildlife.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-2-13, 20-1-2; W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

A rattlesnake not native to West Virginia is wildlife from without the state: § 20-1-2 counts reptiles as wildlife with no nativity limit, so one brought in from outside the state needs an importation permit from the director under § 20-2-13, the Burmese python's position. The board's Dangerous Wild Animal list names no snake and no crocodilian, although § 19-34-5 allowed both. The timber rattlesnake is different. It is on the DNR's native snake checklist, and § 58-73-1.1 prohibits taking or possessing any native reptile not listed in the rule, which lists no snake.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-1-2, § 20-2-4(a), § 20-2-51

The director may issue a permit to a person to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal or wild bird that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season. The fee therefor shall be $2.

The red fox is a West Virginia native and so a "wild animal" under § 20-1-2, which § 20-2-4(a) bars keeping except as the chapter provides. The § 20-2-51 pet permit is that route, for a fox bought from a commercial dealer or taken in the open season. This is the opposite of the fennec, which is outside Chapter 20 because it is not native.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A red-footed tortoise is a reptile and a South American species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-2-13, 20-1-2; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

A reticulated python is a reptile from outside West Virginia: § 20-1-2 counts reptiles as wildlife with no nativity limit, so one brought in from outside the state needs an importation permit from the director under § 20-2-13, the Burmese python's position. The board's Dangerous Wild Animal list names no snake and no crocodilian, although § 19-34-5 allowed both. Federally, the reticulated python has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A rosy boa is a reptile and a species of the American southwest and Baja California, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A Russian tortoise is a reptile and a Central Asian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A savannah monitor is a reptile and an African species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-2-13, 20-1-2; W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

A spectacled caiman is a reptile from outside West Virginia: § 20-1-2 counts reptiles as wildlife with no nativity limit, so one brought in from outside the state needs an importation permit from the director under § 20-2-13, the Burmese python's position. The board's Dangerous Wild Animal list names no snake and no crocodilian, although § 19-34-5 allowed both.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-1-2, § 20-2-4(a), § 20-2-51

The director may issue a permit to a person to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal or wild bird that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season. The fee therefor shall be $2.

The striped skunk is native, so the same Chapter 20 path applies as for the raccoon: § 20-2-4(a) bars keeping a wild animal except as the chapter provides, and § 20-2-51 provides a pet permit for one from a commercial dealer or the open season. No West Virginia text read singles the skunk out on rabies grounds.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. An African spurred tortoise is a reptile and a Sahelian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A tiger salamander is an amphibian, and the WVDNR checklist of the state’s 34 salamanders carries Ambystoma barbouri, jeffersonianum, maculatum, opacum and texanum and not Ambystoma tigrinum, so this is an out-of-state animal rather than a West Virginia native and § 58-73 has nothing to say about it. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A tokay gecko is a reptile and a Southeast Asian species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; § 20-1-2; § 20-2-4(a), (b)

No person shall transport into or have in his possession within this state any live wildlife or viable eggs thereof from without the state, except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director

West Virginia’s importation section is the rule the rest of this column was written without, and it changes the answer for every exotic reptile and amphibian in it. W. Va. Code § 20-1-2 builds wildlife out of wild birds, wild animals, game and fur-bearing animals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, crustaceans and all forms of aquatic life used as fish bait. The reptile and amphibian clause carries no nativity qualifier and no captive-bred carve-out, so a pet reptile or amphibian bought from an out-of-state breeder is live wildlife from without the state. A veiled chameleon is a reptile and a Yemeni and Saudi species, so it is wildlife from without the state on any route into West Virginia. § 20-2-13 then bars both bringing that animal in and having it in possession within the state except under an importation permit from the director, and the permit is discretionary: the director may issue it, fix its terms and revoke it at his pleasure. How firm this is, both ways. § 20-2-4(a) independently makes it unlawful to take, obtain, purchase, possess or maintain in captivity any live wildlife except as the chapter or a rule provides, and § 20-2-4(b) says wildlife lawfully taken outside of this state is subject to the same laws and rules as wildlife taken within it, which closes the argument that an out-of-state origin puts the animal outside the chapter before it is made. Against that, the section is headed importation and certification and the body of it is disease control, fish pathologist certificates and inspection of imported shipments, with the only penalty clause written for coyotes. Nothing in Title 58 implements § 20-2-13 for anything but aquaculture, and WVDNR publishes no application for an importation permit. So this is a statutory permit requirement that is real on paper with its machinery not visibly in place, which is the same shape as the Minnesota breeder condition and is recorded the same way. Neither of West Virginia’s two species lists bars this animal. W. Va. C.S.R. § 74-1-3, the dangerous wild animal list adopted April 5, 2022, is a mammal list plus the Komodo dragon. W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73 reaches native West Virginia reptiles and amphibians only.

How this rule works: No person may transport into or possess within the state any live wildlife or viable eggs from without the state except as authorized by an importation permit issued by the director.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 20-1-2, 20-2-4(a), 20-2-51

The director may issue a permit to a person to keep and maintain in captivity as a pet, a wild animal or wild bird that has been acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season. The fee therefor shall be $2.

The opossum is a West Virginia fur-bearing animal by name in § 20-1-2, so § 20-2-4(a) makes it unlawful to keep one in captivity except as the chapter provides. § 20-2-51 is that provision: a two dollar pet permit from the director, for an animal acquired from a commercial dealer or taken in the open season, the raccoon's position.

How this rule works: The director may issue a $2 permit to keep in captivity as a pet a wild animal or wild bird acquired from a commercial dealer or during the legal open season.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

W. Va. Code §§ 19-2H-2(b), 19-2H-3(a), 19-2H-4(c); § 20-1-2

(b) "Captive cervid" or the plural means a member of the Cervidae family of animals including, but not limited to, fallow deer, red deer, white-tailed deer, axis deer, elk, moose, reindeer and caribou which are domesticated animals under the control of the owner of the animal.

A wild white-tailed deer is a "wild animal" under § 20-1-2, which takes in all cervids, but captive cervids licensed under the Captive Cervid Farming Act are carved out and regulated as livestock by the Department of Agriculture. Both license classes in § 19-2H-4(c) are for breeding and selling, or for breeding, harvest, hunting and venison sales, so the Act offers no license shaped for a single pet. The § 20-2-51 pet permit reaches "a wild animal" acquired from a commercial dealer or in the open season, but a deer bought from a licensed farm is a captive cervid, which § 20-1-2 takes out of "wild animals", so whether that permit reaches it is not settled.

How this rule works: Captive cervids, white-tailed deer named among them, are regulated by the Department of Agriculture as livestock and are outside the wildlife definitions in § 20-1-2. No one may operate a captive cervid farming facility without a license, and the two license classes in § 19-2H-4(c) are for breeding and selling, or for breeding, harvest, hunting and venison sales.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

W. Va. C.S.R. § 58-73-1.1; W. Va. Code § 20-2-13; WVDNR turtle checklist

The take or possession of any native West Virginia reptile or amphibian species not listed hereafter is prohibited pursuant to W. Va. Code 20-2-4.

The red-eared slider is the one West Virginia cell where nativity is itself the question, and both answers to it are restrictive, which is why this is gray rather than green. WVDNR publishes its turtle checklist under a heading of native species and the red-eared slider, Trachemys scripta elegans, is the last name on it, beside the woodland box turtle and the snapping turtle. If the department reads its own checklist as settling nativity, and that is how the corn snake, gartersnake, milksnake, kingsnake, hognose and box turtle cells here were decided, then § 58-73-1.1 prohibits this animal: the rule’s section 4 list of what may be taken or possessed runs to ten bait salamanders, two frogs and two turtles, the eastern spiny softshell and the snapping turtle, and the slider is not on it. If instead the department treats the slider as introduced rather than native, because its natural range stops well west of West Virginia, then it is an exotic reptile and § 20-2-13 applies to it like every other exotic reptile in this column: no possession within the state of live wildlife from without the state except under an importation permit from the director. Banned on one reading and permit on the other, and no West Virginia text distinguishes native from established.

How this rule works: A closed list for natives. Section 4 names ten salamanders for bait, two frogs, and exactly two turtles. No lizard and no snake appears anywhere in it, and 58-73-1.1 says possession of any native species not listed is prohibited. The DNR summary of this rule opens by saying West Virginia herp regulations prohibit the possession of 80 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.