Alabama
Turtle possession, collection, and commercial regulations for Alabama, as researched by Nauti-Lass Ponds & Critters.
Alabama Wildlife AgencyLaws listed here were current as of January 1, 2015. Laws change frequently — always verify with your state's wildlife agency before purchasing or keeping turtles. This is not legal advice.
Native Turtle Species
- Alabama Map Turtle
- Alabama Red-bellied Cooter
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Gulf Coast Box Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- River Cooter
- Striped Mud Turtle
Law Summary
SUMMARY OF ALABAMA TURTLE LAWS
POSSESSION 1. Unlawful to take, capture, kill, or attempt to take, capture or kill, to possess, sell, or trade, or offer to sell or trade without a special permit, Mississippi DBT, Gopher Tortoise, Alabama Map, Alabama Red Belly, Alligator Snapper, Barbour's Map or Escanbia Bay Map, Black Knobbed Sawback & Flattened Musk Turtle.
2. Any native unprotected species, as well as non-native species, may be kept as pets. However, No person, firm or corporation shall import or cause to be imported, any nonindigenous turtle species for the purpose of propagation
TAKING FROM THE WILD 1. It is unlawful to collect or offer for sale or trade any box turtle without special permit. Possession limit of one.
2. Unlawful to collect, harvest, possess, offer for sale or trade any common snapper or softshell with a carapace length less than 8 inches. Two unregulated turtles per day may be taken for personal use but cannot be sold, traded etc. Turtles may be taken by hand, dip net or hook and line. This includes both public and private waters.
COMMERCIAL 1. It is unlawful to take, attempt to take, sell or possess any turtle egg or turtle or parts thereof from the wild in this state, to include public and private waters, for commercial purposes.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Main Site