What Is The Penalty For Owning An Axolotl In California?

Fishkeepers in California are not as free as other states as they face a lot of rules and laws regarding exotic animals, especially the cute little Axolotls. What is the penalty for owning an axolotl in California? 

This question attracts a lot of attention as confining this animal is illegal in California. 

Here we share with you everything you need to know if you are about or you accidentally bring an Axolotl to California.

What Is The Penalty For Owning An Axolotl In California?

Up to $10,000 cash fine or 6 months in prison, varying by cases. The rule is tough for captivating an Axolotl or any exotic animal in California. 

Anyone who houses Axolotl without the state’s permission for a clear purpose is punished under the California Fish and Game code. The fine ranges from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $10,000 in cash. 

Besides, the person who violated the law also has the responsibility for the extra expense of keeping the animal captured, taking care of it, and removing it after that.

In some serious circumstances, some people must end up in jail! 

Why Owning An Axolotl In California Is Illegal? 

Non-Friendly Animals

The naive smile of Axolotl can be misleading. In fact, they are not a truly friendly species. They find socializing or interacting with other species unlikable. 

Even worse, when other animals are nearby, these salamanders have a tendency to attack them. 

That is why Axolotl and its cousins belong to the banned list in California.

Environmental Threat

The other reason keeping axolotls are illegal in California is they are environmental threats when they escape to the natural environment, intentionally or unintentionally.

When they are out in the wild, there is a good chance that they outcompete other threatened native salamanders, such as the famous tiger salamander in California. As a result, the axolotls can make these local salamanders disappear forever.

Worse yet, they can become invasive species. It might cause unanticipated harm to California’s ecosystem.

Endangered Animals

The biggest reason California makes Axolotl an unlawful domestic pet here is that the animal itself is on the verge of extinction. The authentic Axolotl species are decreasing daily. They are on the endangered list. The ban is to prevent Axolotl from being bred with other salamanders.

Besides, the domestic axolotls do not have similar genetic aspects to wild ones. Even if you release them to the natural environment, they do not help to stop wild axolotls from vanishing.

Axolotl Protection

Keeping them as pets might boost their population, but doing so in California is a different story. This state is experiencing extreme heat waves, while Axolotls need cool temperatures to survive.

In Which States Are The Axolotls Legal? 

New Mexico, Virginia, and Hawaii.

After getting the necessary licenses from local authorities, axolotls can be kept as pets in these places. Still, it’s crucial to keep in mind that other areas can establish their own rules regarding axolotl ownership. 

In addition, in Hawaii, any Axolotl shipments coming to the place will face a strict inspection. Importers have to present all the legal documents. Still, after successfully passing the customs clearance process, selling, buying, and transporting these animals is allowed.

Is There Any License To Own An Axolotl In California? 

Yes, you can own an Axolotl in California with a license, but for research purposes only, not for private possession as a pet.

However, if a newt or salamander is still your favorite and you are dying to own them, you are permitted to raise them as long as your pet does not belong to the Ambystoma genus list.

What Should You Do If You Accidentally Bring An Axolotl To California? 

Inform The Authorities

Well, the smart move is that if you are unaware that your behavior violates the local law, you should sincerely come and notify the authority of the Axolotl presence. 

They will give you guidance on how to handle the situation properly. Clear and detailed steps will help you overcome the unintentional scenario soon. 

More importantly, you should prepare yourself as there will be people coming to take away your beautiful Axolotl. It is heartbreaking saying goodbye to your pet. 

Stop Reproducing Them

The punishment of housing only one Axolotls is more mitigating than when you multiply it into two, three, or more. 

If you are breeding Axolotl, stop the process at once by separating the female and male. 

In case there are any eggs, you want to put them down soon. If the work is too much and too hard, just let the authorities handle it for you. 

Don’t Give The Eggs To Other People

Giving other people an Axolotl egg equals the “double sentence” for your crime as you put these other people under the law too. Furthermore, once the Axolotl eggs hatch and grow, you leave the officials a big challenge to locate the axolotls.

What Salamanders Can I Keep in California? 

Taricha

Taricha is quite a special salamander genus when these names contained in the toxic species list. 

Even though they are popular for petting, the owner should always wash their hands thoroughly after getting in contact with them. Otherwise, you can be killed by its neurotoxin.

Salamandra

Salamandra (Fire salamanders) and Salamandra atra (alpine salamander) are the two recommended contenders if you want a salamander as a pet.

Eurycea

The Eurycea genus is known as brook salamanders. Some of the friendly names you will find interesting to house at home are E. longicauda or E. lucifuga.

Andrias

In case big salamanders are your jam, A. davidianus is the one. The animal length can reach up to 4 feet long.

Plethodon

If you like woodland/slimy salamanders, the Salamanders belonging to the Plethodon genus are highly recommended. P. cinereus is the one you want to look at further. They are the perfect alternative for axolotls.

Desmanthus

Do you like dusky salamanders? If yes, D. Wright and D. conanti will be suitable choices for you.

Cynops

Salamanders falling under the Cynops umbrella normally live up to twenty-five years. The most famous name in this genus is C. pyrrhogaster.

Final Thoughts

What is the penalty for owning an axolotl in California? Now, you know all the deets about this matter. Although it is not legal to house Axolotl in California, except for research purposes, you still have another option of other salamanders if these species are your favorite. 

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