HB 401: Designating an Official PA State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
Overview Resources
- Bill text
- PA House GOP update
- US Standard: Many states have official state reptiles, with box turtles being particularly popular choices. North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kansas have already designated various box turtle species as their state reptiles
- State Standard: Pennsylvania currently has no official state reptile, though it has other animal symbols, including the white-tailed deer as the state animal
Big Concept Resources
- The broader issue is whether a state reptile designation should be used to support conservation awareness. https://reflectionriding.org/nature-center-news-updates/box-turtle-conservation
- https://reflectionriding.org/nature-center-news-updates/box-turtle-conservation
- https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/eastern-box-turtle
Pros
- Raises awareness for an at-risk species. https://www.pahousegop.com/News/35999/Latest-News/Eastern-Box-Turtle-on-Path-to-Becoming-PA%E2%80%99s-Official-State-Reptile-
- Can support conservation education without costing much.
- Gives Pennsylvania a symbolic species identity like other states. https://www.ncpedia.org/reptile-eastern-box-turtle
Cons
- Not Uniquely Pennsylvanian
- Not very distinct
- Critics may say it is a symbolic measure with little practical impact.
- Some may question whether legislative time should go to state-symbol bills.
- It does not directly fund habitat protection or species recovery.
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/conservation/species-management/reptiles-and-amphibians/regulations
- https://stateline.org/2005/03/11/can-states-ever-have-too-many-official-symbols/
