Who runs Usark?

10 Questions with Phil Goss, President of USARK.

What does the Usark do?

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) is a science, education and conservation-based advocacy for the responsible private ownership of, and trade in reptiles and amphibians.

How many Usark members are there?

Keep in mind there are roughly 5 to 6 million people keeping reptiles on some level in the U.S. There is a reason they say there’s strength in numbers. The more people signed up for the basic membership, the easier USARK can fight the legislative battles on our behalf.

Is Usark legit?

The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. USARK describes itself as “a science, education and conservation based advocacy (organization) for the responsible private ownership of, and trade in reptiles.”

Did the Lacey Act pass?

Please note that the Lacey At amendments found in the America COMPETES Act have not passed! Many of our answers address “what if” they pass.

How do you ship a snake cross country?

Here’s the good news: you can ship snakes and reptiles with FedEx. In fact, they’re the only major carrier to allow for the shipment of these particular types of animals. However, you will need to obtain a special Live Reptile Certification with FedEx. That’s the bad news.

What is an injurious animal?

An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health.

What is the Lacey Act 2022?

This bill modifies the injurious wildlife provision of the Lacey Act, which generally prohibits the import and shipment of listed living creatures and their eggs. First, the bill specifies that the prohibition on shipment applies to interstate shipments within the continental United States.

How long can a snake live in a shipping box?

Virtually any herp can sit tied inside a sack, which is inside a sturdy box, for three days without harm as long as temperatures don’t reach dangerous extremes.

Does FedEx ship snakes?

Here’s the good news: you can ship snakes and reptiles with FedEx. In fact, they’re the only major carrier to allow for the shipment of these particular types of animals. However, you will need to obtain a special Live Reptile Certification with FedEx.

Can I take a lizard from Hawaii?

While all the lizard species in Hawaii were introduced, there is certainly no shortage of interesting lizards on the islands. Many of these do not pose any threat to native animal and plant populations, but several do and are illegal to keep as pets, import, or export.

What is Lacey Act compliant?

The Lacey Act, initially enacted in 1900, is a United States law that bans trafficking in fish, wildlife, or plants that are illegally taken, possessed, transported, or sold.