Show Rules
Rules & Permit Requirements for C.R.A.B.S. Vendors
All vendors, Illinois residents and non-residents, are responsible for obtaining any required IDNR permits to possess, transport, or sell native Illinois reptiles and amphibians. This applies to:
Examples: bull snakes, black and gray rat snakes, speckled and eastern black kingsnakes, red-eared sliders, painted turtles, map turtles, and various other native lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders, and snakes.
Including (but not limited to) alligator snapping turtles, western and Mexican hognose snakes, Great Plains rat snakes, as well as any hybrids or crosses involving an E/T species (e.g., scaleless corn snakes, creamsicle corns, root beer corns, etc.).
Including select non-native species and any species requiring special authorization under state law.
Rear-fanged colubrids and all crocodilians also fall under separate restrictions and may require additional permitting.
Vendors are strictly prohibited from exhibiting, selling, trading, or offering any venomous reptiles, venomous lizards, or medically significant invertebrates (e.g., venomous snakes, Heloderma species, medically significant scorpions) without appropriate permits.
Illinois law (510 ILCS 68, Article 10) outlines strict requirements for enclosures, labeling, anti-venom access, transport, and documentation.
If you intend to bring any species that could be classified as venomous or medically significant, you must submit your permit documentation in advance and receive written approval from the show organizer. Any species lacking full legal compliance will not be allowed on-site and may require immediate removal.
For the most current information, vendors should review the Illinois Herp Code and communicate directly with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
1027 S. Division St.
Carterville, IL 62918