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The current list of permitted animals came out in 2017 I believe and my theory is that there has not been active supporters and outreach like there has been for reptiles and amphibians. Chain pet stores in Maine carry monitor lizards, for example. Maine also has deep concerns about invasive species and we have many species of spiders, but no native tarantulas. So I am guessing that the powers that be believe cold blooded reptiles may pose less if a threat than spiders  that might survive better.

As I like to point out, Maine did not have ticks until the 1980s.

Keeping tarantulas in Maine has gone back and forth from somewhat restricted to extremely restricted. In the past, say 20 years  ago or so,  you could apply for a permit to "import" tarantulas and I did get approved for several species not listed today. I never got them. What was I thinking?

Back in the 80s I remember seeing a few tarantulas in pet stores, including ones prohibited today.

Then in the past 10 years you could only have tarantulas for proven educational purposes.

Earlier this summer I started work on applications to expand the tarantula list, but in the past four months I have aquired six tarantulas - all legal - so my interest has been waning on the project. I hope to get back to it, although I am already needing more room so I am wondering if I really want a longer list. Lol.