Section 17-2-4.2 - Amphibians and reptiles; protected; permits; unlawful taking; misdemeanor; penalties. - New Mexico Statutes

17-2-4.2. Amphibians and reptiles; protected; permits; unlawful taking; misdemeanor; penalties.

A.     All species, except for those collected in rattlesnake roundups, for fish bait or for lizard races, of native, free-ranging amphibians and reptiles are hereby classified as protected nongame animals for commercial taking purposes. The commercial taking or capturing of native, free-ranging amphibians and reptiles is prohibited except by a permit issued by the state game commission.   

B.     The state game commission shall adopt rules necessary to administer Paragraph (14) of Subsection A of Section 17-1-14 NMSA 1978 and this section to assure that viable populations of native, free-ranging amphibians and reptiles are maintained in the state.   

C.     If the state game commission determines that it will offer permits to take or capture native, free-ranging amphibians or reptiles, the commission shall adopt a rule listing protected native, free-ranging amphibians and reptiles that may be taken or captured after taking into consideration any criteria that can be shown to have an effect from commercial takings on the viability of the species population in the state.   

D.     Unlawful taking of a native, free-ranging amphibian or reptile consists of intentionally taking or capturing, for commercial purposes, a regulated native, free-ranging amphibian or reptile without a valid permit from the state game commission.   

E.     Amphibians and reptiles may be removed, captured or destroyed without a permit, by any person, in emergency situations involving an immediate threat to human life or private property.   

F.     Whoever commits unlawful taking of a native, free-ranging amphibian or reptile is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) per occurrence and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) per occurrence or be imprisoned for not more than one year or both.   

G.     As referred to in this section, "taking" means the act of seizing amphibians or reptiles for a commercial purpose.