While black rat snakes may be a 'species of special concern' in MN, it does not afford them protection. They can be killed and they can be kept as pets (unless local law prohibits it). This was a case of an escaped pet, and local MN DNR biologist (who specializes in deer/waterfowl) getting caught on tape talking about something he knows nothing about. The media was informed of the proper ID BEFORE the clip aired, but they decided to use the more 'interesting' information.

Just an FYI.
-Chris
-----
Christopher E. Smith
Contact
Captive Bred Herps
Wildlife Research & Consulting Services, LLC

[ Hide Replies ]

• Black Mamba terrorizes MN town. - wireptile, Tue Aug 17 22:57:43 2010
• RE: Black Mamba terrorizes MN town. - DMong, Wed Aug 18 00:39:37 2010
• RE: Black Mamba terrorizes MN town. - Snakesunlimited1, Wed Aug 18 19:47:19 2010
• EXACTLY!!!! - DMong, Wed Aug 18 20:16:56 2010
• RE: EXACTLY!!!! - monklet, Thu Aug 19 10:29:24 2010
• RE: EXACTLY!!!! - DMong, Thu Aug 19 11:32:48 2010
• RE: EXACTLY!!!! - wireptile, Thu Aug 19 11:36:31 2010
• RE: EXACTLY!!!! - DMong, Thu Aug 19 11:43:14 2010
• OMG! - pinelandsghost, Fri Aug 20 00:11:11 2010
• Very accurately stated!!.... - DMong, Fri Aug 20 01:10:06 2010
• RE: OMG! - monklet, Fri Aug 20 11:08:07 2010
• RE: OMG! - DMong, Fri Aug 20 12:05:42 2010
• RE: OMG! - Snakesunlimited1, Fri Aug 20 12:14:20 2010
• RE: OMG! - Sonya, Fri Aug 20 12:48:49 2010
• Oh lord!!!! - DMong, Fri Aug 20 14:32:25 2010
• anaconda in the ball forum too - JYohe, Fri Aug 20 14:09:15 2010
• RE: anaconda in the ball forum too - DMong, Fri Aug 20 18:04:45 2010
• Anaconda attack caught on camera.... - garweft, Sat Aug 21 20:26:09 2010
• HAHAHAA!!!! - DMong, Sat Aug 21 21:31:00 2010
• They must be breeding!!!! - stevep, Sun Aug 22 14:13:41 2010
• Actually.... - CBH, Mon Sep 13 21:56:39 2010