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C.R.A.B.S.

Central Reptile and Amphibian Breeder Show

Presented by Tye-Dyed Iguana

Show Rules

Rules and permit requirements for C.R.A.B.S. vendors and visitors.

General rules

  1. Only registered vendors may sell animals and products.
  2. No outside animals are allowed in the show.
  3. All animals must stay in their cage or enclosure except during a sale or a scheduled demonstration.

Vendor rules

Illinois native reptile and amphibian permits

All vendors, Illinois residents and non-residents alike, are responsible for getting any IDNR permits required to possess, transport or sell native Illinois reptiles and amphibians. This applies to:

  • Non-listed native species. Examples: bull snakes, black and gray rat snakes, speckled and eastern black kingsnakes, red-eared sliders, painted turtles, map turtles, and other native lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, salamanders and snakes.
  • Endangered or threatened (E/T) native species. Including, but not limited to, alligator snapping turtles, western and Mexican hognose snakes, Great Plains rat snakes, and any hybrid or cross involving an E/T species (for example scaleless corn snakes, creamsicle corns and root beer corns).
  • Species regulated under the Illinois Herptiles-Herps Act. Including some non-native species and any species that needs special authorization under state law.

Rear-fanged colubrids and all crocodilians fall under separate restrictions and may need additional permits.

Venomous animals

No venomous animals may be brought to the show without a valid IDNR special-use permit.

Vendors may not exhibit, sell, trade or offer any venomous reptiles, venomous lizards or medically significant invertebrates (for example venomous snakes, Heloderma species and medically significant scorpions) without the right permits.

Illinois law (510 ILCS 68, Article 10) sets strict requirements for enclosures, labeling, anti-venom access, transport and paperwork.

If you plan to bring any species that could count as venomous or medically significant, send your permit paperwork in advance and get written approval from the show organizer. Any species without full legal compliance won't be allowed on site and may have to be removed immediately.

Permit processing times

E/T species permits About 60 days
Non-E/T native species Faster, but apply early

For the latest information, read the Illinois Herp Code and talk directly with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

Permit contact

Scott Ballard
Southern Region E&T Recovery Species Specialist / Herpetologist
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
1027 S. Division St.
Carterville, IL 62918
State cell: (618) 694-3398
Email: Scott.Ballard@illinois.gov

Read the full Illinois Herp Code

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