(a) The flattened musk turtle (sternotherus minor depressus) is a reptile unique to the State of Alabama. The Legislature finds the protection of this unique specie is required for its survival.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, it is unlawful for any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association, or any other entity to:
(1) Hunt, wound, injure, kill, trap, collect or capture a flattened musk turtle (sternotherus minor depressus), or to attempt to engage in such conduct; or
(2) Sell, offer for sale, purchase, offer to purchase, deliver, transport, carry or ship, in intrastate, interstate, or foreign commerce a flattened musk turtle (sternotherus minor depressus), whether alive or dead, or any of its parts or products, or to attempt to engage in such conduct.
(c) The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall permit, under such reasonable terms and conditions as it may prescribe consistent with this section, any act otherwise prohibited by subsection (b) of this section for one of the following purposes: scientific or survival research, zoological exhibition, or education; provided that, the prohibitions of subsection (b)(2) of this section shall not be effective until 30 calendar days after passage of this section; and provided further, that the prohibitions of subsection (b)(1) of this section regarding the killing and injuring of a flattened musk turtle (sternotherus minor depressus) shall not apply to activities where such killing or injuring is incidental to, and not the purpose of, such activities which are otherwise lawful; provided further, that the prohibitions of subsection (b) and the permitting process of subsection (c) shall not apply to any flattened musk turtle captured prior to the passage of this section, or to any offspring of such previously captured flattened musk turtle.
(d) Any individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association or other entity who violates the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall, upon conviction be fined not more than $5,000.00, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 9 - Conservation and Natural Resources.
Chapter 11 - Fish, Game and Wildlife.
Article 8 - Hunting and Trapping of Birds and Game.
Section 9-11-230 - Title to Wild Birds and Animals Vested in State.
Section 9-11-230.1 - Definitions.
Section 9-11-232 - Possession, Sale, Purchase, etc., of Protected Wild Birds, Etc.
Section 9-11-233 - Enumeration of Birds Not Protected.
Section 9-11-235.1 - Taking, etc., Raccoons or Opossums at Night; Weapons Used.
Section 9-11-236 - Hunting, etc., or Possession of Protected Birds or Animals During Closed Season.
Section 9-11-238 - Hunting, etc., of Wild Turkeys With Dogs.
Section 9-11-240 - Opening of Season for Hunting, etc., of Female Deer and Unantlered Male Deer.
Section 9-11-245 - Unlawful Methods of Hunting Birds or Animals Protected by Law or Regulation.
Section 9-11-246 - Penalties for Violations of Provisions of Sections 9-11-244 and 9-11-245.
Section 9-11-247 - Taking, Keeping, etc., of Raccoons for Use in "Coon on the Log" Contests.
Section 9-11-248 - Permits for Holding of "Coon on the Log" Contests.
Section 9-11-249 - Penalty for Violations of Provisions of Sections 9-11-247 and 9-11-248.
Section 9-11-250 - Taking, etc., of Deer From Public Waters.
Section 9-11-251 - Taking, etc., of Deer at Night.
Section 9-11-252 - Penalties for Violations of Provisions of Sections 9-11-250 and 9-11-251.
Section 9-11-255 - Transportation, Shipment, etc., of Protected Birds or Game.
Section 9-11-257 - Hunting or Discharge of Firearm From, Upon, or Across Public Roads, Etc.
Section 9-11-258 - Persons Hunting Deer at Night Liable for Killing Stock.
Section 9-11-265 - Trapping on or From Right-of-Way of State Highway; Exemption of Lawrence County.
Section 9-11-265.1 - Sections 9-11-264 and 9-11-265 Inapplicable in Limestone County.
Section 9-11-268 - Penalty for Violations of Provisions of Sections 9-11-265, 9-11-266 and 9-11-267.