The law in Connecticut
Only the common snapping turtle has an open season in Connecticut; bog, wood, spotted, box turtles and diamondback terrapins may not be taken at any stage. You may keep at most one spotted turtle and ten adult wild snapping turtles, and the commercial trade in snapping turtles was banned in 2018. Releasing any wild animal needs a DEEP permit.
Selling. DEEP states the commercial trade of snapping turtles was banned in 2018. Importing or exporting spotted turtles and diamondback terrapins is prohibited except for zoos, schools and similar institutions. No state size rule was found beyond the federal 4-inch rule.
Keeping. No person may possess more than ten adult common snapping turtles, unless documented as captive-bred and legally obtained, or more than one spotted turtle (Conn. Agencies Regs. 26-55-3). Endangered, threatened and special concern species, which include several native turtles, need a permit to import or possess.
Wild turtles. Snapping turtles at least 13 inches carapace length may be taken July 15 to September 30, five per day and ten per season, by hand, dip net, hook or trap with an endorsement. Bog turtle, wood turtle, diamondback terrapin, eastern box turtle and spotted turtle have no open season. Eggs may not be taken and nests may not be disturbed. Turtles may not be removed from public waters without DEEP authorisation.
Release. Liberating any wild animal is prohibited unless allowed by statute or a commissioner's permit (26-55-6). Protected wildlife caught by accident must be released immediately at the point of capture.
Who to ask. Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: Conn. Agencies Regs. 26-66-14 Seasons, Bag Limits, and Methods for Taking Reptiles (Conn. Agencies Regs. 26-66-14); Conn. Agencies Regs. 26-55-3 Reptiles and Amphibians (possession limits) (Conn. Agencies Regs. 26-55-3); Conn. Agencies Regs. 26-55-6 Importation, Possession or Liberation of Wild Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates (Conn. Agencies Regs. 26-55-6); CT DEEP: Common Snapping Turtle fact sheet (DEEP Wildlife Division fact sheet). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: medium. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.
Reptile vets
- South Wilton Veterinary GroupWilton, Connecticut
General practice with an exotic pet care service. The site lists reptiles, birds and small mammals among the pets it cares for. 203-762-2002.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in Connecticut yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Connecticut yet.
Sellers that ship here
- LLLReptile and SupplyOceanside, California
Reptile retailer with eight stores in California, Arizona and Nevada, including Oceanside, Escondido, Menifee, San Diego, Chandler, Glendale, Henderson and Las Vegas, that stocks tortoises and turtles along with other reptiles and supplies. Also sells and ships animals online. Ships: ships nationally; store pickup available. 760-439-8496.
- My Turtle StorePort Richey, Florida
Online seller of aquatic turtles, tortoises, food and supplies that says it has operated for over 40 years and changed ownership in late 2024. Live animals ship by air only within the contiguous United States and are held when forecast lows are below 38 F. No statement about the FDA 4-inch rule or animal sizes was found on the pages read. Ships: contiguous US only. 656-777-1509.
- Snakes at SunsetMiami, Florida
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles with a Miami address that lists turtles such as pink-bellied side-necks and Fly River turtles plus a tortoise category. Ships FedEx Priority Overnight to all states except Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia, and its turtle page cites the federal rule against selling turtles under 4 inches, with 4 inch juveniles offered. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
- XYZ ReptilesPalmetto Bay, Florida
Breeder and online retailer of captive-bred reptiles with turtle and tortoise categories, shipping overnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a live arrival guarantee. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, and its turtle page states that turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are offered for educational, scientific or export purposes only, not as pets. Ships: all states except AK and HI. 305-305-5998.
- New England Reptile DistributorsPlaistow, New Hampshire
Reptile breeder and shop known as NERD, with a facility in Plaistow that offers tours and sells pythons, boas, lizards and other animals in person and online with priority shipping. Its terms state that turtles and tortoises are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Plaistow. 603-382-2772.
- Jungle Bob's Reptile WorldSelden, New York
Long Island reptile store open daily that sells tortoises, turtles, lizards, snakes, amphibians, feeders and supplies, with in-store pickup, local delivery and nationwide shipping of supplies. Ships: local pickup; ships supplies nationwide. 631-737-6474.
- Redfoot RanchAlice, Texas
Home-based breeder of red-footed and other tortoises and turtles, formerly in Wimauma, Florida and now in Alice, Texas, selling hatchlings and other sizes by mail order. Ships throughout the continental United States and to Alaska, with pickup possible near Corpus Christi, and its terms state that tortoises and turtles under 4 inches are offered for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: continental US and AK. 727-421-5542.
- ReptmartOnline
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles only, with turtle and tortoise categories. Live animals ship FedEx Overnight Monday to Wednesday with a live arrival guarantee, not to Alaska, Hawaii or the District of Columbia, and its terms state that all turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
- Reptile RaptureMonona, Wisconsin
Reptile store on Monona Drive near Madison open seven days a week, selling reptiles and invertebrates from its own breeding room plus supplies and feeders, with shipping available and a reptile rescue program. The site does not list turtles or tortoises specifically. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Monona. 608-221-0094.
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