New England Herpetological Society

06/21/2026

06/20/2026

The Massachusetts Reptile Expo run by us is tomorrow and members are allowed one free entry for individual membership. Four free entries if they are a family member.
If you don't have your membership card, your email receipt is proof as long as we can read it and it is valid for 2025 or 2026.
Didn't get an email receipt? We can help you sort that out at the Expo. Pay for entry and then come to the NEHS booth at the back of the show.

Not currently a member but want to be?
Sign up at

The New England Herpetological Society (NEHS) promotes education, conservation, and responsible stewardship of reptiles and amphibians through events, resources, and advocacy in New England.

06/14/2026

We are at the Taunton River Festival today! Come and say hi!

06/05/2026

Our June Meeting is the Massachusetts Reptile Expo that we put on at Starland in Hanover MA. Is it June 21st 2026!!

Hope to see you all there!

05/21/2026

Today the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management decided to postpone adding tegus to the list of permit required animals in that state.

Thank you to USARK and the New England Wildlife Center for their assistance in this matter as well as NEHS members and RI business owners that attended the hearing. Anyone who sent in their questions and comments and spread the word, another thank you!!

Let's stay vigilant!

05/09/2026

We were very honored to be able to donate. This is all thanks to generous people who also love reptiles and amphibians.

We are so very grateful to be the recipient of this donation from the New England Herpetological Society! 🦎 NEHS is a nonprofit dedicated to conserving reptiles and amphibians, advancing herpetological education, and fostering a welcoming community for both lifelong enthusiasts and those newly curious about the natural world. Founded in 1972, NEHS has grown over 50 years into a regional organization, supporting herpetology through field events, educational programs, research and conservation grants, resources, and advocacy for responsible practices that protect native species and their habitats.

05/05/2026

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has proposed changes to regulations on the Importation and Possession of Wild Animals (250-RICR-40-05-3). The proposal will ban two tegu genera (Salvator and Tupinamibis, with other genera already banned). This new ban would include Argentine Black-and-white tegus, Blue tegus, Red tegus, and Colombian Gold tegus. Also, African Giant Land snails will be banned, and a clarification will be made regarding exemptions for animal “dealers.” The changes can be read at the link below. Note that only underlined changes in red or purple text are new. The black text is the current regulation. The tegu ban likely stems from the discovery of a tegu in a driveway in January 2026. While the tegu would have died had it not been rescued, escapes and releases easily trigger bans.

The comment deadline is May 20, 2026. Email comments to David Kalb at: [email protected]

Public meeting: 5:30 P.M. on May 12, 2026, at the DFW Outdoor Education Office, 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place, Exeter, RI, 02822

LINK to proposed rule:https://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/26-RI-reg.pdf

Sample letter

Email address: [email protected]

Subject line: No to tegu ban

I write today as a Rhode Island resident opposing the proposed ban on two tegu genera, Salvator and Tupinamibis. The species in these genera are common pet lizards. I fully support protecting Rhode Island’s natural resources and wildlife, but these lizards are not an invasive species threat in our state or invasive within 1,000 miles of our state. This ban is unreasonable. There is no valid reason to stop the ownership, trade, and commercialization of this species.

This prohibition is unjust and unfair, with no justification such as invasive species or public safety risks. Thank you, and have a good day.

05/03/2026

We are here at Capron Park Zoo for the Dr. Dolittle day! Come say hi!!

01/30/2026