Arizona legislators have introduced a measure that seeks to ban the import, transport and possession of a long list of animals characterized as dangerous wildlife. The House Committee on Natural Resources and Rural Affairs is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposal on Feb. 22.

As written, House Bill 2375 would prohibit a person from owning, possessing, keeping, harboring, importing or transporting into the state what is defined as “dangerous wildlife.” The bill defines a number of animals as “dangerous wildlife,” including hedgehogs, sloths, chimpanzees, thick-billed parrots, snapping turtles, gopher tortoises, Gila monsters, coral snakes, clawed frogs, leopard frogs, piranha, tetras and New Zealand mud snails. Click here for a complete list.

HB 2375 contains a grandfather clause under which those in possession of dangerous wildlife before July 1, 2010, would be able to keep the animal if he or she complies with certain requirements.

Exemptions are provided for several entities, including nonprofit animal protection organizations, veterinary hospitals, accredited zoos and aquariums and licensed research facilities.

A person would be allowed to transport a listed animal through the state if the transport time does not exceed seven days. <HOME>