Axolotls are illegal in California - here are the relevant laws

[John]

Thanks to Travis Summers for originally posting this here.

California residents, please be advised that ignorance of your local laws is not a legal defence.
The possession of Axolotls or any Ambystoma species is a crime in the state of California.

It does not matter what your local pet store says, or that you bought them from out of state. It doesn't matter if your local fish and game people in California are not trained well enough at their job to know that Axolotls are illegal there.

(Related to this, it is a violation of US Federal law to ship an axolotl to California from a state outside California where Axolotls are legal. Sadly, one of the testimonials on the AGSC's "Alternative Suppliers" page indicates this does take place. If you wish to report violations by sellers anywhere in the US, contact California Fish and Game Warden Kyle Chang at KCHANG@dfg.ca.gov).

But don't take our word on the illegality of possessing Axolotls in California. Please read the law at the California Department of Fish and Game:

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg1518.pdf

Direct your attention to Title 14 on page 7, right hand column, and then look at the Amphibian species listed a page down in section 3 of that title.

In the event that the web document at the Department of Fish and Game in California is moved, I've attached a copy to this message.

Here is a direct quote of Title 14 and the relevant amphibian species:

California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Excerpts
§671. Importation, Transportation and Possession of
Live Restricted Animals.
(a) It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess
alive animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under
permit issued by the Department of Fish and Game. Permits
may be issued by the department as specified herein and for
purposes designated in Section 671.1 subject to the conditions
and restrictions designated by the department. Except
for mammals listed in Fish and Game Code Section 3950 or
live aquatic animals requiring a permit pursuant to Fish and
Game Code Section 2271, no permit is required by this section
for any animal being imported, transported, or possessed
pursuant to any other permit issued by the department. Cities
and counties may also possession or require a permit for these
and any other species not requiring a state permit.
(b) The commission has determined the below listed animals
are not normally domesticated in this state. Mammals
listed to prevent the depletion of wild populations and to provide
for animal welfare are termed “welfare animals”, and are
designated by the letter “W”. Those species listed because
they pose a threat to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of
the state or to public health or safety are termed “detrimental
animals” and are designated by the letter “D”. The department
shall include the list of welfare and detrimental wild animals
as part of DFG MANUAL NO. 671 IMPORTATION, TRANSPORTATION
AND POSSESSION OF RESTRICTED SPECIES,
to be made available to all permittees and other interested
individuals.
(c) Restricted species include:
...
(3) Class Amphibia-Frogs, Toads, Salamanders
(A) Family Bufonidae-Toads Bufo marinus, Bufo paracnemis,
Bufo horribilis (Giant toad or marine toad
group) and all other large toads from Mexico and Central
and South America (D).
(B) Family Pipidae-Tongueless Toads
All species of the Genus Xenopus (D).
(C) Family Ambystomatidae-Mole Salamanders
All species of the genus Ambystoma (tiger
salamanders)

 

[sp333]

And is known why is like that in California? Why is illegal?

 

[John]

Because Ambystoma species can hybridize with the endangered California Tiger Salamander, Ambystoma californiense.

 

[Krystaire]

Wow, glad I saw this. I was just deciding that that would be an amazing animal to have around... good thing I didn't get all hyped up about it only to find that they're illegal.

We definitely don't want to endanger any other animals further though!