LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada is considering imposing restrictions on reptile collectors after figures show nearly a half-million creatures have been removed from the desert state in the past 30 years.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports all the states bordering Nevada prohibit unlimited commercial collection of reptiles, but until now the Silver State has set no limits.
Nevada is weighing recommendations that include a blanket ban on reptile collection or limiting commercial collection based on species, breeding season and geography.
The wildlife commission will hear recommendations at its Sept. 22 meeting, the first step in a process that includes public workshops before a decision is made. A blanket ban would not prevent hobbyists from collecting reptiles for themselves as pets but would forbid the sale and barter of captured reptiles.