South Carolina Code 50-15-55. Nonnative reptiles; regulations; unlawful acts; exceptions
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(A) It is unlawful for a person to release wildlife that is not native to this State from captivity in this State.
(B) The department may promulgate regulations to prohibit or otherwise restrict certain species of nonnative wildlife in this State, including species that:
Terms Used In South Carolina Code 50-15-55
- Captivity: means the condition in which an animal is contained in an enclosed cage, carrier, aquarium, or similar device, yard, or enclosure that prohibits the natural movement of the animal. See South Carolina Code 50-15-10
- Department: means the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources unless otherwise stated. See South Carolina Code 50-5-15
- Native: means any species or subspecies considered to be indigenous and naturally occurring in this State. See South Carolina Code 50-15-10
- Person: means any individual, firm, corporation, association, or partnership. See South Carolina Code 50-15-10
- Wildlife: means any wild mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, crustacean, or other wild animal or any part, product, egg or offspring, or the dead body or parts thereof. See South Carolina Code 50-15-10
(1) have the potential to become established in this State in sufficient numbers so as to become a nuisance; and
(2) pose a demonstrable deleterious and widespread threat to wildlife, agriculture, or human health and safety.
(C) Sanitary and safe disposal of dead wildlife is not a violation of this section.
(D) The provisions of this section do not apply to the release of foxes and coyotes pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 11 of Title 50 and to the release of other nonnative species from captivity if authorized by law.