Golden newts

[travis]

I recently found a place that carries some golden newts but i'm not sure what i should do. In California, it is apparently illegal to involve these newts in the pet trade. Plus, the place has no idea what they really are (aside from their name). So, should I buy them and risk the penalty to save them from whatever these people may have in store for them, or just let it go? I don't have much recent experience with newts (my uncle and i used to observe them in the wild when i was a kid, and he had one at his house that i used to help take care of), but i think i could take it on with the plethora of knowledge this site offers. What should i do? Thanks for your time and input.

 

[john]

First, I think you should discuss it with the owner/manager of the store. Be sure you have paper that backs up your information concerning the legality. I'm sure they may use (possibly legitimately) the ignorance plea. If they don't care, then call your local wildlife official, tell them what species you think it is, and let them handle it. Tell them you discussed the matter with store management. Under no circumstances should you purchase the animals. There's a 99.99999% likelihood they are wild caught and allowing the store to profit from this will only encourage more of it.

 

[roy]

Don't buy them that's for sure. It's illegal and you encourage the collection of a protected species.

 

[jeff]

Golden newts? Is that another "pet shop" name for the California newt, Taricha torosa?

In any event, you can find laws in regards to the situation here :http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg1502.pdf

Check section 43 and subsection 43(e). It actually may not be illegal for the pet shop to possess or sell these newts.

 

[travis]

Yeah, I have no urge to purchase something illegal. I hate the fact that I can't find a pet store in the area that has newts or salamanders for sale (at least ones that are not illegal). I guess it's just not meant to be yet.