The law in Maine
In Maine you may catch and keep up to two of each native turtle species without a permit, as long as the species is not endangered, threatened or of special concern, but you need a permit to import, sell or exhibit them. Blanding's turtles are endangered and spotted turtles threatened, so they are off limits. Red-eared sliders and box turtles are restricted species that need a wildlife in captivity permit and must be captive bred.
Selling. Native reptiles captured from the wild may not be exhibited, propagated, exported or sold commercially without a permit. Possessing, selling or transporting an endangered or threatened species is a crime with a mandatory fine. No state codification of the 4-inch rule found, though Category 2 restricted turtles are listed with a 4 inch minimum size.
Keeping. Native reptiles not listed as threatened, endangered or special concern: up to two per species without a permit, kept apart from animals not native to Maine. Red-eared slider, pond slider, common, Gulf Coast and three-toed box turtles, gopher tortoise and Chinese softshell are Category 1 restricted species (permit, captive bred only). Sulcata, alligator snapper, diamondback terrapin, ornate box and yellow mud turtle are Category 2 restricted. The unrestricted list itself could not be retrieved.
Wild turtles. Native reptiles that are not endangered, threatened or of special concern may be captured from the wild and possessed without a permit, two per species. Blanding's turtle is endangered and spotted turtle is threatened; hunting, taking, harassing or possessing them is prohibited. Wood turtle status was not confirmed.
Release. An animal captured under the no-permit allowance that is released must be released in or near the same location where it was captured. Importing animals into the state requires a permit. No other release rule found; releasing non-native pets is still a bad idea.
Who to ask. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: 12 M.R.S. 12152 Permits to possess wildlife in captivity (12 M.R.S. 12152(1-B)); 12 M.R.S. 12803 Designation of endangered and threatened species (12 M.R.S. 12803(3)); 12 M.R.S. 12808 Prohibited acts (endangered species) (12 M.R.S. 12808); 09-137 CMR Chapter 7, Section 18 Species Lists (09-137 C.M.R. ch. 7, s. 18). 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
- Broadway Veterinary ClinicBangor, Maine
General practice that lists an exotics and pocket pets service alongside wellness, urgent and dental care. 207-942-2281.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in Maine yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Maine 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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