The Kennebec Journal (http://bit.ly/2b6O7nk ) reported that rule changes drafted by the state Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife were approved Wednesday by a council of advisers to the agency.

The rules allow the department to impose steeper fines on those who keep wildlife illegally, tighten the permitting process for keeping and selling wildlife and give third party contractors the ability to inspect wildlife facilities.

Some reptile collectors and breeders opposed the rules and were worried that their snakes and lizards would be banned.

Officials say the rules included changes that may alleviate some concerns, such as a new version that makes it easier for people to get required training.