Venomous snakes are fascinating pets, but their bite can be deadly unless the right antivenom is administered. They can pose a major health risk to their owners and the wider public should they ever escape. That’s why there are detailed state laws on the ownership of poisonous snakes.
In most states, it is legal to catch and keep venomous snakes as pets with a permit. In other states, it is entirely illegal to own them. Also, there are some endangered species that are protected by the law. There are laws on breeding, importing, and exporting venomous snakes.
It is vital that you check local municipal and county law to make sure that you comply with those laws. Certain cities ban venomous snakes outright, while it’s legal to own them in the state. The law varies significantly depending on what part of America you live in.
Is It Legal To Own Venomous Snakes in America?
In every state, the legality of owning certain wild or dangerous animals is regulated. And in most states, these laws pertain to venomous snakes as well as other animals.
Most states require that you purchase a yearly permit in the way you would buy a hunting license. However, in other states, it is illegal.
There are also federal laws related to wildlife that must be adhered to. No federal law says what kind of snake you can own, but how you catch, breed or sell them is regulated.
Venomous Snake Laws by State
Before we dive into the laws in each state, please do bear in mind that these are summations of relevant laws.
To check whether owning a venomous snake is fully legal where you live, you should also check county or municipal law to ensure that you are not breaking those laws.
Alabama
Under ALA. ADMIN CODE r. 220-2-.26, it is unlawful to possess any non-indigenous venomous reptile without a permit.
Black pine snakes, eastern indigo snakes, eastern coachwhip snakes, Florida pine snakes, Gulf salt marsh snakes, and southern hognose snakes cannot be caught or killed, with a permit or otherwise.
Alaska
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, it is illegal to hold any wild species as a pet. A permit is required to possess an exotic venomous snake.
Arizona
Under R12-4-406. Restricted Live Wildlife, it is illegal for anybody to own a venomous snake in Arizona without a permit. This includes elapids, vipers, sea snakes, boomslangs, and asps.
Arkansas
No permit is required to own native or exotic venomous snakes in Arkansas.
California
Under CAL. CODE REGS. Tit. 14, §671 and §671.1, it is unlawful to possess what are considered wild animals.
This prevents you from catching and keeping venomous snakes without a permit. However, keeping live, native rattlesnakes is not prohibited by fish and game laws, permit or otherwise.
Colorado
Under the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Regulations, 2 CCR 406-8., Chapter 11 (Wildlife Parks and Unregulated Wildlife), it is legal to own a venomous snake in Colorado provided that you have a permit.
A similar requirement applies if you want to import or export a venomous snake. You must apply each year to keep your permit up to date.
Connecticut
Under CONN. GEN. STAT. §26-40a and §26-55, it is illegal to possess potentially dangerous animals. However, venomous snakes are not listed under the law’s definition of ‘dangerous animal.’ You can apply for a permit to keep one, although it will most likely be denied.
Delaware
Under DEL. CODE ANN tit. 3, §7201, §7202, and §7203, it is entirely illegal to keep venomous snakes.
While you can keep wild animals, reptiles included, with a permit this does not extend to “any poisonous snake not native to or generally found in Delaware where the venom of such snake poses a risk of serious injury or death to a human, and no permit for the same shall be issued by the Department of Agriculture.”
Florida
In Florida, it is legal to own a venomous snake provided that you have a permit. Owners need 1000 hours+ experience with venomous reptiles, and must also provide two reference letters from existing license holders.
Georgia
Georgia’s odd laws concerning keeping snakes mean that it is illegal to keep nonvenomous snakes like corn snakes, garter snakes, etc.
However, it’s legal to own venomous snakes, like rattlesnakes and copperheads. They are classed as exotic venomous animals, for which you can acquire a permit, while nonvenomous species are outlawed.
Hawaii
Under HAW. ADMIN. RULES §4-71-5, it is illegal to import or possess any exotic animals, venomous or not.
The purpose of this law is to protect Hawaii’s ecology—there are no native amphibians or snakes in Hawaii, and if any were introduced, they could easily kill many unique native species. Even parasites from exotic pets could cause untold damage.
Idaho
Under IDAHO ADMIN CODE §02.04.27, private possession of “deleterious” wild animals is forbidden without a permit. This includes venomous snakes.
Illinois
Under P.A. 98-752, § 1-1, eff. Jan. 1, 2015, it is held to be illegal for any private individual to own a venomous reptile. The only exception is for bona fide educational programs, for which a permit is required.
Indiana
Under IND. CODE ANN. §14-22-26-1-§14-22-26-6., a person who possesses a wild animal must have a permit for each animal. This includes venomous reptiles, which are considered Class III wild and dangerous animals.
Iowa
Under IOWA CODE ANN §717F.1-.13, it is illegal to possess or breed any “dangerous wild animal.” This includes any “…member of the family Elapidae, Viperidae, Crotalidae, Atractaspidae, or Hydrophidae which are venomous, including but not limited to cobras, mambas, coral snakes, kraits, adders, vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads, pit vipers, keelbacks, cottonmouths, and sea snakes.”
Kansas
Under KAN. STAT. ANN §32-1301-32-1312, it is illegal to possess or breed any dangerous regulated animal. This includes venomous snakes. Only anybody licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and hold a particular license is exempt, as are zoos, aquariums, and research institutions.
Kentucky
Under 301 KY. ADMIN. REGS. 2:082, it’s illegal to possess any “inherently dangerous wildlife.” This includes large animals like alligators, bears, and elephants, but also applies to “venomous exotic snakes of the families Viperidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, and Colubridae, except for hognose snakes (genus Heterodon).”
Louisiana
Under LA. ADMIN. CODE tit. 76, §115; Part XV §101, it is illegal to own a venomous snake without a permit. It’s also illegal to own any snake that’s longer than 12 feet without a permit.
Maine
Under ME. REV. STAT. ANN. tit. 12 § 7235-A, it is legal to own any wild animal subject to permit.
Maryland
In Maryland, you need a permit if you want to keep a native reptile or amphibian.
Massachusetts
Under 321 CMR 9.00: Exemption List, all venomous snakes require a permit. Under this list, various nonvenomous snakes may be kept as a pet without a permit, including kingsnakes, gopher snakes, garter snakes, etc.
Michigan
Under MICH. COMP. LAWS §287.731, it is clearly defined which animals cannot be kept as pets. These are large cats (i.e., lions and tigers), bears, wolves, and wolf hybrids. According to the law, all animals not specifically listed can be kept provided that the owner has a permit.
Minnesota
MINN. STAT. 346.155 lists various animals considered to be ‘regulated animals,’ which includes big cats, bears, and primates.
However, since snakes are not listed, you can legally keep venomous snakes, provided that you have a permit to do so.
Mississippi
MISS. CODE ANN. §49-8-5 regulates which exotic animals can or cannot be kept in Mississippi. Currently, only animals held to be “inherently dangerous” require a permit.
While snakes are not on this list, lawmakers are trying to add them to it. HB951 proposed to do so but died in committee on Jan. 30th, 2018.
Missouri
Under MO. REV. STAT. §578.023, it’s illegal to keep any “poisonous reptile” without registering the animal with local law enforcement in the county.
Montana
Under MONT. ADMIN. R. §32.3.202, it’s illegal to import an exotic snake into Montana without a one-time permit. However, once inside the state, no permit is required.
Nebraska
Under NEB. REV. STAT. §37-477—the law specifying which animals require a permit—no mention is made of reptiles, venomous or otherwise. You can, therefore, legally keep a venomous snake without a permit.
Nevada
NEV. ADMIN. CODE ch. 503, §110 lists several animals that are illegal to keep, for which a permit cannot be granted.
Listed here are boomslangs, keelbacks, coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mambas pit vipers and true vipers, and Australian elapids. Other snakes may be kept with a permit.
New Hampshire
Under N.H. CODE ADMIN. R Fis §804.01, it is illegal to possess “venomous reptiles,” which includes venomous snakes. No permit may be given to own one. Other non-venomous snakes require a permit.
New Jersey
Under N.J. ADMIN. CODE tit. 7, §25-4.8 and §25-4.9, it is illegal for anybody to own a dangerous species of animal, wild or not. Examples given include coral snakes, cobras, and pit vipers.
New Mexico
It is legal to import and own venomous snakes in New Mexico without a permit.
New York
Under N.Y. ENVTL. CONSERV. §11-0103, it is unlawful to possess any wild animal without a permit. Venomous reptiles, as well as many large constrictors like reticulated pythons and Burmese pythons, are included under the definition of “wild animals.”
North Carolina
Under North Carolina G.S. 14-417 it is unlawful to house any venomous reptile in an enclosure that isn’t sturdy and secure. The enclosure has to be permanent, and have an operable lock. It must be ‘designed to be’ both escape proof and bite proof.
North Dakota
Under N.D. ADMIN. CODE §48.1-09, venomous snakes are considered non-traditional livestock, category 3. As such, you do need a permit to keep one.
Ohio
Under the Ohio Dangerous Wild Animal Act, it’s unlawful to keep certain venomous snakes without a permit. It’s also necessary to keep antivenom for the snake or snakes in question on hand.
These snakes are defined in the Ohio Revised Code 935.01 as elapids, vipers, boomslangs, twig snakes, asps and many non-venomous constrictor snakes.
Oklahoma
Under OKLA. STAT. Tit. 29, §4-107, it is illegal to keep any wildlife either for commercial purposes or as a pet without a permit. You will need a Wildlife Breeder’s License, even if you don’t plan on breeding your snakes.
Oregon
According to the Oregon Department of Wildlife, venomous snakes in Oregon are listed as prohibited species. This includes rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths, cobras, brown tree snakes, puff adders and several other vipers.
These animals may not be imported, exported, traded or owned and there is no permit available except for zoos and research facilities.
Pennsylvania
To legally own a rattlesnake or other venomous snake in Pennsylvania, you’ll need a license.
These licenses (Venomous Snake Permits) can be obtained for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and should be sought before you acquire the snake. The snake would then have to be legally collected from the wild during the open season.
Rhode Island
Venomous snakes may be caught and kept, but again only if you have the correct permit. This right is detailed under the Rules and Regulations Governing Importation and Possession of Exotic Wild Animals.
South Carolina
The law in South Carolina with regards to owning or selling venomous snakes is unclear. While it is illegal to own an exotic animal without first obtaining a license, and while venomous snakes are included under that definition, this law seems very vaguely enforced.
South Carolina is one of the few places in the country where you can find venomous snakes for sale at reptile shows.
South Dakota
You need a permit to catch and keep rattlesnakes in South Dakota. Permits can be obtained from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Tennessee
Under TENN. CODE ANN §70-4-401, §70-4-403, and §70-4-404, it is illegal for anybody to possess or breed ‘Class I wildlife,’ which is a catchall term that refers to venomous, endangered or otherwise inconvenient species to own. This includes all poisonous snakes in Tennessee.
To own Class 1 wildlife, you must be 21, have 2 years’ experience handling the animal, have a full-time resident caretaker for the animal, and have plans in place should the animal get free.
Texas
It’s legal to own venomous snakes in Texas. The permit costs just $20 and is obtainable from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
However, possession of cobras and similar venomous snakes (or snakes over 6 feet in length) is not permissible within Houston city limits, regardless of obtaining a state-wide permit or not.
Utah
In Utah, a permit is required for native and exotic venomous snake species. To obtain one, you need to get written permission from the town or city where the snake will be kept. You then need to apply for a certificate of registration (C.O.R.) permit, and pay $200 to go through a hearing.
The requirements for the hearing are either that you run a zoo or similar facility, an educational facility, a circus or sideshow, or a research facility. If you don’t, then you can’t get a permit. So, while it is possible to get one, you’re likely not to meet their strict requirements.
Vermont
Several laws govern venomous snake ownership in Vermont. To collect native venomous snakes, you’ll need a scientific collection permit.
Exotic venomous snakes require separate importation permits, and protected native venomous snakes need a separate permit still.
Virginia
In Virginia, snakes are classed as non-game species. This means that they are protected under non-game regulations.
While you can’t kill them, you can ‘take’ them from the wild if they are a nuisance (particularly on your property).
Washington
Under WASH. REV. CODE §16-30, it is illegal to own or breed a dangerous animal. Venomous snakes are included within that definition.
West Virginia
You are allowed to keep rattlesnakes in West Virginia, with no permit required for keeping them. However, the legal limit on the number of rattlesnakes you’re allowed to keep is just one.
A West Virginia man faced charges in 2018 for keeping 17 rattlesnakes, far more than the legal limit.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, no permit is required for the keeping of venomous snakes. However, you should check with municipal law to see if they are banned where you live. Janesville, for example, restricts ownership of both venomous and constricting snakes.
Wyoming
Wyoming Statutes Title 23. Game and Fish § 23-1-101 defines any wild animal not native to Wyoming as exotic.
Exotic animals are not prohibited under § 23-1-103., meaning that you don’t need a permit to own exotic snakes. As always, check with local laws before purchasing or catching a venomous snake.
How to Get a License for a Venomous Snake
Just because you can legally obtain a license for a venomous snake, that doesn’t mean that it’s at all easy to do so. Tennessee, for example, has regulations on who can get a license. It’s similar in many states across the country, which means that your application is likely to be rejected.
All you can do is tick every box that they need you to, and prove that you’re a suitable owner. That involves proving that you have a strong enough enclosure, one which has a lock so that they can’t get out, and that you know how to handle them.
Federal Laws on Venomous Snakes
Federal laws don’t necessarily relate to ownership, but they control how you take, transport and keep them.
The Lacey Act and Venomous Snakes
The Lacey Act is a law that makes it illegal to import or export certain animals if they were not caught according to federal, state or foreign law. The Lacey Act is strict and clear, with no permits or certificates available that mean you can violate it.
If you do violate the Lacey Act, you may be charged with civil or criminal sanctions, even if you didn’t know you were breaking the law at the time.
The Endangered Species Act 1973
The Endangered Species Act protects native species by preventing anybody in any state from harassing, killing or taking snakes from the wild. On the list are many protected snakes, which are:
- The dusky sea snake
- The Aruba Island rattlesnake
- The New Mexican ridge-nosed rattlesnake
- The eastern indigo snake
- The Maria island snake
- The Alameda whipsnake
- The Atlantic salt marsh snake
- The copperbelly water snake
- The black pine snake
- The Louisiana pine snake
- The eastern massasauga rattlesnake
- The northern Mexican garter snake
- The giant garter snake
- The narrow-headed garter snake
- The San Francisco garter snake
Several species are also under review, meaning that they may be added shortly. Check to see which snakes are protected in your area.
It’s also necessary to contact the county and municipal authorities in your area to identify which venomous snakes can be kept as pets. Even if it’s legal in your state to own a venomous snake, it may not be in your city.
FAQs
Can I own a venomous snake in California? ›
Under state law, all pit vipers, except for the six California native rattlesnakes listed in CCR, Title 14, Section 671(c)(7)(E), are restricted species that may not be possessed without a permit.
Can you own venomous snakes in Arizona? ›Examples of illegal reptiles in Arizona (without proper permits or licenses) include exotic venomous reptiles, such as cobra, mambas, cottonmouths, copperheads, etc., endangered or protected species, and almost any non-pet trade animal.
Can you own venomous snakes in Texas? ›Texas laws are fairly lax about venomous snakes and large constrictors. All you need to own one is a $20 Controlled Exotic Snakes Permit from Texas Parks and Wildlife. You can obtain the permit after you purchase the animal, meaning anyone without a permit can walk into a pet store and buy a venomous snake.
Can you own venomous snakes in Ohio? ›The permit to possess a restricted snake (anacondas and pythons larger than 12 feet, certain vipers and venomous snakes) is $150 with a liability or surety bond requirement of $100,000 to $500,000.
Can I have a venomous snake as a pet? ›The private possession of dangerous snakes is popular, but many US states ban private ownership of venomous snakes. Because of the potential dangers with these animals, some states simply prohibit keeping them all together, while others restrict possession to certain species.
Can you own venomous snakes in South Carolina? ›'' South Carolina has virtually no restrictions on the ownership of a venomous serpent, leaving it for vendors and organizers at shows like Repticon's event to police themselves.
Can you own venomous snakes in Alabama? ›NOTE: Venomous reptiles which have never naturally existed in the wild in Alabama (i.e. non-indigenous) have not been legal to possess in Alabama since 2001.
Can you own venomous snakes in Georgia? ›She says while there are no rules restricting people from owning venomous snakes, the state does ban people from owning certain snakes that are native to Georgia, like the corn snake. As for the Gaboon viper, If you see it, the DNR says to call 911, and, of course, they say don't approach the snake.
Can you own a black mamba in the US? ›“Reporters, maybe it was the police, researched this, and it turned out that it was true. You can legally buy them [black mambas] in snake shops.” However, when Police checked with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, they revealed that it is nearly impossible to obtain a recreational exotic license of a black mamba.
Can you own venomous snakes in New York? ›Answer: Venomous snakes are illegal in New York State.
Can you own a venomous snake in Kentucky? ›
The woman told officers she didn't want to let police know she had the venomous reptile in her possession, but it was too big for her to keep. It is illegal to own dangerous and exotic animals in Kentucky. The snake was taken from the home and placed with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade.
Can you own a rattlesnake in Arizona? ›Although collecting twin-spotted rattlesnakes is illegal in Arizona — and a federal law called the Lacey Act prohibits buying and selling protected wildlife — there's little chance that thieves will be caught. Even if they are, they likely won't pay more than a few hundred dollars in fines.
Can you own venomous snakes in Virginia? ›It shall be unlawful for any person, or persons, to display, exhibit, handle or use any poisonous or dangerous snake or reptile in such a manner as to endanger the life or health of any person.
Can you own venomous snakes in Maryland? ›What you cannot do: No reptiles or amphibians from List C may be possessed, bred, or sold. These animals may only be held in accordance with a Scientific Collection Permit or an Endangered Species Permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources. Venomous snakes may not be possessed as pets.
Can I own a king cobra in Ohio? ›Ohio law prohibits any person from owning a Restricted Snake unless they obtain a Restricted Snake Possession Permit from the Director of Agriculture.
Can you keep a rattlesnake as a pet? ›Warnings. Don't consider a rattlesnake as a pet unless you have adequate space and knowledge of the species. Avoid keeping a rattlesnake as a pet if children, elderly or disabled people live in your house. Don't play games with the snake, knock on the cage or even take it out of the tank except to clean or transport it ...
What is the safest pet snake? ›Corn Snake
One number one choice for the best snake pet is the corn snake. Of the bunch, corn snakes are considered the most docile and gentle. They are also known for being easy to handle and easy to feed.
The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is considered the most venomous snake in the world with a murine LD 50 value of 0.025 mg/kg SC.
Can you own venomous snakes in Missouri? ›Summary: This Missouri law states that no person may keep any lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, Canada lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena, wolf, bear, nonhuman primate, coyote, any deadly, dangerous, or poisonous reptile, or any deadly or dangerous reptile over eight feet long, in any ...
What snakes are illegal to own in SC? ›- ban all non-native venomous reptiles of the class Reptilia belonging to the families Elapidae, Crotalidae, Viperidae, and Hydrophiidae;
- ban all non-native venomous reptiles in the genus Heloderma;
Are Cobras legal in NC? ›
North Carolina has no laws against keeping, breeding or selling non-native venomous reptiles — only rules about how those animals should be housed and transported and about notifying local law enforcement if the animal escapes.
Can I own venomous snakes in Oklahoma? ›The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife told Fox 25 the state only requires permits for native venomous species. You have to have a permit to buy, sell or own native snakes. However we were never questioned as to if we had the proper permits or if we had the experience to responsibly own a venomous snake.
Can you own venomous snakes in Mississippi? ›(1)(a) It is unlawful for a person to import, transfer, sell, purchase or possess any wild animal classified inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit under paragraph (b) or is exempted under paragraph (c).
Can I own a rattlesnake in Alabama? ›According to Alabama law, it's unlawful for any person to possess, sell, offer for sale, import, or release any non-indigenous venomous reptile in Alabama, except by written permission of a designated employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Ban applies to animals from outside the state.
Can I own a copperhead in Georgia? ›It is also illegal to keep native non-venomous snakes as pets without a proper permit. Now, you can legally kill venomous snakes in Georgia, but the Department of Natural Resources says it is best to leave them alone and call a professional.
What pets are illegal in Georgia? ›...
These 7 Pets Are Banned In Georgia
- Kangaroo.
- Monkey.
- Fox.
- Wolf.
- Crocodile.
- Alligator.
- Cobra.
Contact the Wildlife Management Division office at 888-248-6834 for the appropriate permit or license. Live Wildlife: Possession of live wildlife generally requires a permit or license. Contact the Wildlife Management Division office at 888-248-6834 for the appropriate permit or license.
Can you keep a king cobra as a pet? ›But as intriguing as they are, king cobras don't make good pets. Not only is their venom extremely potent, but they have special dietary needs, they grow to formidable lengths, and they aren't legal in many places. King cobras are fascinating to watch and study -- but very dangerous to invite into your home.
How much are Copperheads worth? ›| Common Name | Copperhead |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Agkistrodon contortrix |
| Price | $100 to $300 |
| Size | 2-3 feet long |
| Lifespan | ~25 years |
The world's fastest snake is the sidewinder snake. The sidewinder snake is the fastest in the world. It can move at a speed of up to 18 mph (29 kph). The second fastest snake in the world is the black mamba.
Are venomous snakes legal in Michigan? ›
Michigan's lone venomous snake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, has received federal protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today.
What pets are illegal in New York State? ›Animals Not Allowed To Be Kept As Pets
Wolves, foxes, coyotes, hyenas, dingoes, jackals, and other undomesticated dogs. Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, pumas, panthers, mountain lions, cheetahs, cougars, bobcats, lynxes, and other undomesticated cats. Ferrets, weasels, minks, badgers, wolverines, skunks, and ...
Yes. Anyone who possesses, buys, or sells hybrids of a listed species must obtain an appropriate permit.
What pets are illegal in Kentucky? ›Kentucky's change in regulation now prohibits pet ownership of dangerous animals such as elephants, lions, bears, tigers, rhinos, leopards and certain primates. People who own exotic animals prior to the amendment were allowed to keep them as pets but were prohibited from breeding them or obtaining new ones.
How many dogs can you legally own in Kentucky? ›(1) No household shall harbor, own or possess greater than three dogs. (2) No household shall harbor, own or possess greater than three cats.
What is the deadliest animal in the state of Kentucky? ›The deadliest animal in Kentucky is the white-tailed deer. This fact may seem strange knowing that deer are gentle and non-aggressive wild animals. But white-tailed deer are responsible for 1.5 million car accidents per year in Kentucky.
Can you own an anaconda in Arizona? ›In Arizona, many of the typical reptile species are illegal, including venomous reptiles, crocodilians, and snapping turtles, but large pythons, which are often banned in other states, appear to be legal. Other large pythons that are legal include African rock pythons, Burmese pythons, and anacondas.
Can you own a crocodile in Arizona? ›A.R.S. §17-306 makes it illegal for anyone to import, transport, release, or possess live wildlife within the state.
Can you own a penguin in Arizona? ›However, penguins are not one of these species. The laws regarding penguins are far stricter than with other exotic animals, not just in the US, but in the entire world. Suffice to say that penguins are definitely illegal to keep as pets in America.
What are the 3 venomous snakes in Virginia? ›All 3 of Virginia's venomous species—the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, and the water moccasin (also known as the cottonmouth)—are members of the pit viper family. Pit vipers have a heat-sensing pit on each side of their head which helps them locate prey.
What pets are illegal in Virginia? ›
Virginia. Summary of Law: No person may possess nonnative exotic animals that are classed as predatory or undesirable as a “pet.” Nonnative exotic animals include, but are not limited to: bears, wolves, coyotes, weasels, badgers, hyenas, all species of non-domesticated cats, alligators, and crocodiles.
Are Copperheads protected in VA? ›Copperheads are a protected species in Virginia unless they pose an immediate danger.
Are Copperheads protected in MD? ›Because of their importance, all snake species are protected in Maryland under the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Maryland is home to 27 species and sub-species of snakes, including two with medically significant venom, the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.
What pets are illegal in Maryland? ›Summary: Under this Maryland law, a person may not import into the State, offer for sale, trade, barter, possess, breed, or exchange the following species of animals: foxes, skunks, raccoons, bears, caimans, alligators, crocodiles, wild cats, wolves, nonhuman primates, and venomous snakes.
What states can you own a Black Panther? ›4 states have no laws on keeping dangerous wild animals as pets: Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, and Wisconsin. 6 states do not ban or regulate keeping big cats as pets: Alabama, Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Delaware, and Oklahoma.
Can I own a boa in Ohio? ›Looking into the Ohio law, the Boa Constrictor is not on the list of snakes a person can own. The only constricting snakes that are illegal with out a permit, are the following snakes, and only if they are over 12 feet long: Green anacondas.
Can you own a Spider monkey in Ohio? ›Ohio's exotic-animal law was enacted in 2012. It banned private owners from acquiring, selling and breeding restricted species in Ohio. The restricted list includes lions, tigers, bears, elephants, all venomous snakes and certain monkeys.
Can I own a wolf in Ohio? ›It is illegal to keep them in Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland and several other states. In Alaska, it is illegal unless your wolf has been grandfathered in. Some states, like Texas, Ohio, and North Carolina, do not regulate ownership on a state level, but rather, leave it up to individual counties.
What snakes are legal to own in California? ›Question: Are regular snakes legal in California? Answer: Most snakes are legal in CA with the exception of venomous snakes.
Can you own rattlesnakes in California? ›The nine species of rattlesnakes found in California are not considered endangered or threatened. California Department of Fish and Wildlife Code classifies rattlesnakes as native reptiles. California residents can take most rattlesnake species on private lands in any legal manner without a license or permit, although ...
Can you own a black mamba in the US? ›
“Reporters, maybe it was the police, researched this, and it turned out that it was true. You can legally buy them [black mambas] in snake shops.” However, when Police checked with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, they revealed that it is nearly impossible to obtain a recreational exotic license of a black mamba.
Can you own a California Kingsnake in California? ›Wild-type California kingsnakes are technically illegal to sell without special permits in their home state of California. These increased restrictions are due to a law that prohibits sale of native California species within state lines; albino morphs are exempt from this law. The law is loosely enforced.
What states is it legal to marry an animal? ›...
States That Allow Your Dog to Serve as Your Wedding Officiant
- Colorado.
- Illinois.
- Kansas.
- Maine.
- Nevada.
- Pennsylvania.
- Wisconsin.
- Washington, D.C.
It shall be unlawful for any person, or persons, to display, exhibit, handle or use any poisonous or dangerous snake or reptile in such a manner as to endanger the life or health of any person.
Who buys snake venom? ›Snake farmers in the tiny Chinese village of Zisiqiao make up to $3m a year by selling snake venom harvested from millions of deadly reptiles, reported the South China Morning Post. These farmers sell the profitable poison to large pharmaceutical companies that need the deadly snake juice.
What's the biggest rattlesnake in California? ›The largest and most common rattle- snake in California is the western diamondback (Crotalus atrox) (Fig. 1), found primarily in Imperial, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties from sea level to 7,000 feet.
Can you keep a king cobra as a pet? ›But as intriguing as they are, king cobras don't make good pets. Not only is their venom extremely potent, but they have special dietary needs, they grow to formidable lengths, and they aren't legal in many places. King cobras are fascinating to watch and study -- but very dangerous to invite into your home.
What is deadliest snake in the world? ›The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) may be the deadliest of all snakes, since scientists believe it to be responsible for more human deaths than all other snake species combined.
What's the most poisonous snake on earth? ›The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is considered the most venomous snake in the world with a murine LD 50 value of 0.025 mg/kg SC.
How much does a California king snake cost? ›California Kingsnakes typically cost $50 to $100. Rarer morphs such as the banana will cost closer to $200. Before purchasing a Kingsnake it is important to examine them for any health abnormalities.
Are cobra snakes legal in California? ›
"Cobras are illegal as pets in California except for educational and scientific purposes, and a permit is required. The monocled cobra, common in Southeast Asia and parts of India and China, can grow to more than 4 feet long.
Is it illegal to own a gopher snake in California? ›A gopher snake caught in the wild can be kept as a pet, but once it's been in captivity, you can't release it back into the wild without authorization from CDFW (CCR Title 14, section 40).