R657-53-1. Purpose and Authority

(1) Under Title 23, Wildlife Resources Code of Utah, this rule governs the collection, importation, transportation, possession, and propagation of amphibians and reptiles.

(2) Nothing in this rule shall be construed as superseding the provisions set forth in Title 23, Wildlife Resources Code of Utah. Any provision of this rule setting forth a criminal violation that overlaps a section of that title is provided in this rule only as a clarification or to provide greater specificity needed for the administration of the provisions of this rule.

(3) In addition to this rule, additional regulation is provided in R657-40. Where a more specific provision has been adopted, that provision shall control.

(4) Specific dates, species, areas, number of pre-authorized certificates of registration, limits and other administrative details which may change annually are published in the proclamation of the Wildlife Board for amphibians and reptiles.

(5) Amphibians and reptiles lawfully collected from wild populations in Utah and thereafter possessed remain the property of the state for the life of the animal pursuant to Section 23-13-3. The state does not assert ownership interest in lawfully possessed, captive-bred amphibians and reptiles, but does retain jurisdiction to regulate the importation, possession, propagation and use of such animals pursuant to Title 23 of the Utah Code and this rule.

(6) This rule does not apply to division employees acting within the scope of their assigned duties.