I recently contacted the state Fish & Wildlife division regarding possession and breeding of Elaphe guttata guttata because of a small blurb I read on another reptile site that stated a permit was required to breed corns because they are indeginous to the state. I had planned to try breeding my snow corns again this coming year (failed attempt this year) and needless to say I have no intention of breaking the law. This is the reply I received, and should be heeded by every Virginia keeper, especially if you breed and sell the offspring...

You can have up to five individuals of each species of snakes for private use as long as none of the snakes are listed at Threatened and Endangered. However, if you breed them you will probably end up with more than 5 so you will need a propagation permit. This permit also allows for the selling of the offspring, but even if you are not interested in selling them you would still need the permit for over-the-limit possession.

Native snakes taken from the wild can not be sold, only captive-bred ones.

We do go by the scientific name so if they are a different color from the wild snake, it is still the same species.

You can find this application on line on our website - dgif.virginia.gov - under forms - then permits and lifetime licenses. The permit is a propagate and sell permit - the fisheries version. Let me know if you have any questions.

This is just something I thought important to share, whether we are hobbiests or professional breeders.

Raven

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