Colorado Parks and Wildlife Seeks Public Input on Reptile and Amphibian Regulation Updates
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is launching a public engagement process October 7 to gather input on potential updates to regulations governing the collection and possession of reptiles and amphibians, including species found throughout Larimer and Weld Counties.
The agency manages approximately 70 species of reptiles and amphibians statewide and is evaluating existing collection rules amid concerns over population declines and increased illegal trafficking. A virtual public meeting will be held October 7 at 6 p.m., with written feedback accepted through November 6 on EngageCPW.org.
CPW staff will use public input and stakeholder feedback to develop regulatory recommendations for presentation to the Parks and Wildlife Commission in 2026, following a 12-18 month review process typical for major wildlife regulation changes.
"Concerns over reptile and amphibian population declines, coupled with increased trade and illegal trafficking, have prompted staff to evaluate existing collection rules," CPW stated in announcing the public engagement period.
Current Regulations Under Review
Colorado currently allows residents to collect 17 specified native species from the wild, with an annual limit of four individuals per species and a total possession limit of 12 individuals across all allowed species, according to CPW regulations. Animals taken from the wild cannot be sold, traded, or bartered under any circumstances.
The regulations prohibit most native species from being kept by the general public, with exceptions only for scientific research or commercial wildlife parks with special licenses. Native reptiles and amphibians collected from the wild may not be released back after being in captivity to reduce disease risk and prevent ecological disruption.
CPW is reviewing potential revisions to rules governing possession and collection of reptiles and amphibians, how regulations are organized and communicated to the public, and other changes raised through petitions and stakeholder input.
The review comes as Colorado strengthened wildlife trafficking penalties through Senate Bill 25-168, making it illegal to possess, sell, import, or export any species listed by the Endangered Species Act, the state endangered list, or CITES Appendix I, according to the Animal Welfare Institute.
Northern Colorado Species Face Challenges
Both Larimer and Weld Counties support numerous native reptile and amphibian species, including Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes, Prairie Rattlesnakes, Northern Leopard Frogs, and Great Plains Toads, according to the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.
Several species have experienced documented population declines. The Northern Leopard Frog is listed as a Tier 1 at-risk species in Colorado's State Wildlife Action Plan due to habitat loss, disease, and water quality issues, according to CPW assessments. The Ornate Box Turtle, found in eastern Colorado, faces significant decline from habitat conversion and road mortality and is considered a Species of Special Concern by CPW.
Local populations also face pressure from agricultural conversion, urban sprawl, and water diversion throughout Northern Colorado, according to regional resource assessments. These factors contribute to the need for updated regulations that balance conservation with public interest in keeping certain species.
Public Participation Opportunities
Residents can participate in the regulatory review process by attending the virtual public meeting October 7, which requires registration through a link on EngageCPW.org. Written feedback will be accepted through the website from October 7 through November 6.
CPW will also convene separate meetings with stakeholders and technical experts throughout the process. The agency plans to present regulatory recommendations to the 11-member Parks and Wildlife Commission, which has statutory authority to set, revise, and enforce all wildlife regulations within Colorado.
The Commission adopts regulations by majority vote during public meetings, with all proceedings documented and made available to the public. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate, representing geographic and stakeholder perspectives across Colorado.
Final regulatory changes must be published to the Secretary of State and are subject to the Colorado Administrative Procedure Act before taking effect.
To learn more and participate in the review process, visit EngageCPW.org or contact Joey Livingston, CPW Statewide Public Information Officer, at 303-345-4658 or [email protected].