An animal that was Identified by photograph or marked, can be stated as the property of the state of Colorado. Any other western hognose including leucistic's cannot be positively Identified. Even with genetics. All that can do is state the animal is a relative of Colorado animals, but cannot prove in any way the animal was taken illegally.
Snakes do not break laws, they also do not recognize state or country borders. They can indeed travel across borders and even out of their ranges by anyone of many methods. An example is, Brown tree snakes. They migrated to other countries and islands in shipments of produce. Many years ago I collected a Dor Cateyed snake just north of Nogales Az. That species is not known to Az. Naturally occurring a close as 150 miles south of the border. Oddly, within a mile of where I found that snake are produce holding warehouses that house produce from Mexico. Another example would be Mexican black kings, the first one found in Az. was exactly where I found that Cat-eyed snake. In the late fifties or early sixties(Bill Wooden). Now black kings are somewhat common, No more cat eyed snakes have been reported.
There are many more "possibilities" of more leu' In private hands as well. As simple as the original breeder, may not admitted to all the animals he excessed.

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]