what does it mean if an animal is protected by states department of conservation?

H

HannahBanana

New member
im not exactly sure when they mean PROTECTED please EXPLAIN
can they be kept in captivity can u pick them can u pet them can u feed them can u poke its shell im talking about a turtle i always see them. wondering if one could live in my pond being legal not against the law what if they come on their own to my pond live by woods
how about me taking one and putting them in my pond is that legal
please let me know i live in MISSOURI
 
Protected just means that the law intends to punish people who kill or hurt the animal.

Some animals are extremely protected and even possessing a part of them is a crime. Most are just protected so people won't catch them and prevent them from breeding in nature.

Putting a protected turtle in a good pond is not any kind of problem, so long as the animal will survive there, and you are not in any way hurting the species.

In Missouri, maybe make sure the pond is survivable for the turtle in the winter, and maybe make sure you put a few in the pond, so they can breed. And make sure there is enough food in the pond (not food you add, but natural food).

Telephone your local Fish and Game if you like. They might be stricter than what I said.
 
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