The law in West Virginia
Since March 2021 it is illegal to take or possess any native West Virginia turtle except the snapping turtle and eastern spiny softshell, so box turtles, painted turtles, map turtles and sliders caught in the state may not be kept. Exotic turtles are not affected. Turtles kept more than 30 days may never be released.
Selling. Collecting reptiles and amphibians from the wild for commercial purposes is prohibited. Sale of wildlife is governed by W. Va. Code 20-2-11 and applies to all colour forms of native species. No state codification of the 4-inch rule found.
Keeping. Possessing any native reptile not listed in 58CSR73 is prohibited, which covers woodland box turtle, painted, spotted, wood, map, musk and red-bellied turtles. Snapping turtles and eastern spiny softshells may be kept up to 20 in aggregate. Exotic species need no permit. Animals held before 23 March 2021 could be kept for life if a verification form was filed by 31 March 2022.
Wild turtles. Only snapping turtles and eastern spiny softshells may be taken, by gigging, snagging or snaring, from 1 January to 15 May and 15 July to 31 December, daily limit 10 and possession limit 20. No turtle eggs may be taken. Taking from public lands needs written permission except on wildlife management areas. Science and education collecting needs a permit.
Release. You may not release any reptile or amphibian held in captivity for more than 30 days, or one that has shared an enclosure with other species. Any permitted release must be at the exact capture location.
Who to ask. West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: WVDNR reptile and amphibian regulations summary (May 2023) (W. Va. Code R. 58-73-1 et seq.; W. Va. Code 20-2-4); W. Va. Code R. 58-73-4 Reptiles and amphibians which may be taken and/or possessed (W. Va. Code R. 58-73-4.5); WVDNR reptile and amphibian frequently asked questions (W. Va. Code R. 58-73; W. Va. Code 20-2-11); WVDNR amphibians and reptiles (W. Va. Code R. 58-73). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: high. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.
Reptile vets
- Animal Care Associates of WVCharleston, West Virginia
General practice that states it serves dogs, cats and exotic pets including rabbits, reptiles, lizards, snakes, birds and other small mammals. 304-344-2244.
- Cheat Lake Animal HospitalMorgantown, West Virginia
Companion animal hospital that states it sees all exotic pets by appointment only; its site does not name reptile species, so call to confirm turtle care. 304-594-1124.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in West Virginia yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in West Virginia 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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