Ohio Admin. Code 1501:31-19-01 - Wild animal importing, exporting, selling, and possession regulations

(A) It shall be unlawful for any person at any time to possess, import, release into the wild, or sell live individuals of the species or their hybrids designated as injurious aquatic invasive species, except:

(1) Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) may be imported or harvested from the wild and possessed alive for consumption as long as they are killed within forty-eight hours of receipt or possession in Ohio;

(2) Alabama bass (Micropterus henshalli) and their hybrids. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to knowingly possess, import, release into the wild, or sell live Alabama bass or their hybrids;

(3) Florida bass (Micropterus floridanus) and their hybrids. Provided further, it shall be unlawful to knowingly possess, import, release into the wild, or sell live Florida bass or their hybrids.

(B) It shall be unlawful to possess any injurious aquatic invasive species unless it is headless, preserved in ethanol or formaldehyde, or eviscerated (internal organs removed), except for:

(1) White perch (Morone americana);

(2) Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) possessed for consumption;

(3) Injurious aquatic invasive species possessed and used for research, by zoos, public aquariums, and public displays with written authorization from the chief.

(C) It shall be unlawful for any person to import or cause to be imported, transport, or cause to transported, or receive or possess live raccoons which have been imported or transported into this state from a point without this state. However, raccoons transported into Ohio that are pets may be possessed in captivity if the owner has a certificate from a veterinarian from the owner's previous state indicating the animal is disease free. The possessor also must have a permit or other document from the state agency from where they came indicating the raccoon was legally possessed in the former state.

(D) For purposes of this rule, "exotic species of fish or aquatic invertebrates" are those species of fish and aquatic invertebrates, including but not limited to crayfish, snails and insects, and any hybrids thereof, which are not naturally found in the waters of the state of Ohio. Provided further, It it shall be unlawful for any person to: possess, import or sell exotic species of fish or aquatic invertebrates, including but not limited to crayfish, snails and insects, or hybrids thereof, for introduction or to release into any body of water that is connected to or otherwise drains into a flowing stream or other body of water that would allow egress of the fish into public waters, or waters of the state, without first having obtained permission of the chief.

(1) Possess, import, or sell exotic species of fish or aquatic invertebrates for introduction or release into the wild;

(2) Introduce or release exotic species of fish or aquatic invertebrates into the wild.

For purposes of this rule, "exotic species of fish or aquatic invertebrates" are those species of fish and aquatic invertebrates which are not naturally found in the waters of the state of Ohio.

(E) It shall be unlawful for any person to import or sell triploid white amur within this state without first applying for and receiving written authorization from the chief. It shall be unlawful to import or sell triploid white amur except in accordance with the specifications and limitations as prescribed in the written authorization from the chief. All rules and regulations in the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code for possession, transportation, sale, or purchase of fish shall apply to this rule. Records, as required by the chief, shall be maintained and open to inspection at all reasonable hours by wildlife officers or any designee of the chief. Provided further, such officers may enter and inspect designated premises and any box, package, or receptacle and the contents for the purpose of determining whether any provision of Chapter 1531. or 1533. of the Revised Code or division order is being violated.

(F) Persons authorized by the chief, to import or sell triploid white amur shall import and/or sell only triploid white amur that are certified triploid by the U.S. fish and wildlife service or other person or agency approved by the chief, and shall retain all records of sales of triploid white amur for a minimum of three years.

(G) Persons authorized by the chief to import or sell triploid white amur shall annually report in writing to the chief of the division of wildlife, the total number of triploid white amur sold and the total number purchased during each month of the year for which authorization to import or sell triploid white amur has been given. Such report is due in the office of the chief not later than January thirty-first of the year following the year being reported.

(H) Persons authorized by the chief to import or sell triploid white amur shall notify the chief of the division of wildlife in writing of each sale of triploid white amur in excess of one hundred fish. Such notification shall identify the name and address of the purchaser, the date of the sale, and the number of triploid white amur sold. This notification is due in the office of the chief within fifteen days of the sale.

(I) It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with the provisions established in paragraphs (F), (G), and (H) of this rule.

(J) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, import or sell raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides).

(K) All definitions set forth in section 1531.01 of the Revised Code and rule 1501:31-1-02 of the Administrative Code apply to this rule.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 1501:31-19-01

Effective: 1/1/2025
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 8/26/2024 and 01/01/2030
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 1531.06, 1531.08, 1531.10
Rule Amplifies: 1531.06, 1531.08, 1531.10, 1533.31
Prior Effective Dates: 05/01/1976, 03/01/1980, 06/01/1985, 09/12/1987, 06/01/1988, 12/01/1989, 06/07/1993, 01/25/1997, 11/01/1997, 03/01/2000, 01/01/2001, 02/01/2002, 11/13/2002, 01/01/2006, 07/01/2008, 11/27/2009, 07/01/2010, 01/01/2015, 07/01/2016, 01/01/2024