Reptiles & Amphibians

A current Rhode Island hunting, fishing, or trapping license is required to take green frogs, bullfrogs and snapping turtles. The possession, removal from the wild, or killing, for any purpose, of any other native reptile or amphibian (including their nests and eggs) is prohibited except by special permit (RIHR 9.15.B).

The snapping turtle season is closed May 15–July 15. The season bag limit is six (6) turtles, and at any time shall be limited to turtles with a minimum carapace length of thirteen (13) inches. Take is allowed by turtle trap, hand, hand-held dip net, snagging, and bow and arrow. Traps must include a tag with name and address of trapper and be set in a manner that allows all turtles within access to the surface to breathe air (RIHR 9.15.C). Take for the purpose of sale or any other purpose other than personal consumption is prohibited.

The green frog and bullfrog season is closed June 1–July 31. The daily bag limit is 20 frogs (both species combined). Take is allowed by hand, hand-held dip net, spearing, hook and line, and bow and arrow.

For any non-lethal method of take, trapped animals must either be released alive into the waters from which they were taken, or humanely dispatched at the site of capture with an active, and valid trapping or hunting license.