Sale and purchase of native wild reptiles and wild amphibians
Wis. Stat. § 169.12
in effect(1) Possession; general. No person may take from the wild or possess live native wild reptiles or live native wild amphibians unless the person is authorized to do so under rules promulgated by the department or unless sub. (3) applies.
(3) Possession of native frogs. A person using native frogs for bait while fishing may take from the wild, possess, and kill more than 5 native frogs, but may not possess more than 5 of any subspecies of native frog for more than 24 hours.
(4) Restrictions on sales and purchases. Unless authorized to do so under rules promulgated by the department, no person may sell or purchase live native wild reptiles or live native wild amphibians except for the following:
(a) Color variants of these wild reptiles and wild amphibians that have been bred in captivity and have coloration that is clearly distinct from the normal morphological color patterns.
(b) Leopard frogs, mud puppies, and tiger salamanders that are sold or purchased under the authorization of a Class A captive wild animal farm license.
(c) Native reptiles or amphibians that are legally taken or reared outside this state and that are sold to educational institutions under the authorization of a Class A captive wild animal farm license.
(6) Exemption for veterinarians.
(a) Veterinarians are exempt from the requirement under sub. (1) for the purpose of providing medical treatment to native wild reptiles and native wild amphibians.
(b) For purposes of par. (a), “medical treatment” does not include rehabilitation.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/169.12Fetched: 10/7/2026