Ownership of Alligator or Crocodile Parts in 2020

June 20, 2019

Question: I have heard starting in 2020 that the sale of any alligator or crocodile parts will be banned in the state. What if a person acquires parts (like a skull, teeth or hide) before the law goes into effect? Will they be able to possess their parts but just not be able to sell them? (Christian F.)

Answer: Yes. Once the ban goes into effect on Jan 1, 2020, it will be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 “to import into this state for commercial purposes, to possess with intent to sell, or to sell within the state, the dead body, or any part or product thereof, of a crocodile or alligator,” per California Penal Code 653o. People who already possess parts or products prior to when the ban goes into effect can continue to possess what they have, but they cannot sell these items.

I guess that means gator skin belts and boots will be getting real cheap come December.  Gator meat too!   

I don’t get it. There’s no shortage of alligators...

This is what our genius leaders of california waste their f-ing time on?!?

Thank God they saved us from the mass alligator parts epidemic plaguing our state. Way more important than the homeless and gang issues that we have.   Well done California! 

This is what our genius leaders of california waste their f-ing time on?!?
+1!

Thank God they saved us from the mass alligator parts epidemic plaguing our state. Way more important than the homeless and gang issues that we have.   Well done California!

My understanding is that the original prohibition on alligator parts in CA was actually passed in the early 70's when alligators were on the endangered species list (and hunting was banned in Louisiana).  They have very much recovered since then, and were removed from the list in 1987. 

What is happening is that the various exemptions to that ban that have happened 3 times over the years is expiring in 2020.

So it is NOT a matter of new, recent action by the legislature in CA.  It is more an issue of lack of action... either to extend the exemption or officially repeal the ban.

There is actually a bill that has been introduced this year to extend the exemption until 2030.  It just hasn't passed yet. 

If you really feel strongly about the issue, perhaps contact your local CA legisture rep to indicate that you'd like to see action.  Otherwise, feel free to continue to complain wasting time. 

  Otherwise, feel free to continue to complain wasting time. 

First time on the internet?

  Otherwise, feel free to continue to complain wasting time. 

First time on the internet?

Ha ha!

  Otherwise, feel free to continue to complain wasting time. 

First time on the internet?

I sense some aggravation. He either wrote this back in the 70s or
he does this type of writing for a living and tired of the complaints.

I’m just glad I get to keep my gator head 

My understanding is that the original prohibition on alligator parts in CA was actually passed in the early 70's when alligators were on the endangered species list (and hunting was banned in Louisiana).  They have very much recovered since then, and were removed from the list in 1987. 

What is happening is that the various exemptions to that ban that have happened 3 times over the years is expiring in 2020.

So it is NOT a matter of new, recent action by the legislature in CA.  It is more an issue of lack of action... either to extend the exemption or officially repeal the ban.

There is actually a bill that has been introduced this year to extend the exemption until 2030.  It just hasn't passed yet. 

If you really feel strongly about the issue, perhaps contact your local CA legisture rep to indicate that you'd like to see action.  Otherwise, feel free to continue to complain wasting time.

"What" is usually pretty easy to answer, "Why" is what I really want to know, "So" Thanks for the info.

  Otherwise, feel free to continue to complain wasting time. 

First time on the internet?

I sense some aggravation. He either wrote this back in the 70s or
he does this type of writing for a living and tired of the complaints.

I’m just glad I get to keep my gator head 

Ha.  No. None of the above. 

For some reason, there is a missing word in the last sentence (probably a conspiracy). 

Should have been, "Otherwise, feel free to continue to complain ABOUT wasting time."  (meaning the "politicians" or "genius leaders")

That missing word really changes the tone and context.  And, for whatever reason, the edit function on the message board won't let me update it. The edit function allows me to change, but the "save" function doesn't do anything (probably part of the same conspiracy).

 

"I'm glad I get to keep my gator head".. Cab. de Martillo…
...
In the case of feathers, bones, skulls, and stuff you will be able to keep them, but likely that CDFW will want you to get (and pay for) an annual permit listing the items you own and who knows what after you die.

That is the case currently if you, say picked up a coyote skull along the road....
Likely to become more trouble than its worth...