Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like to start a breeding project with D. couperi. I understand that i need the commerce permit for each of the snakes i would like to purchse. My question is, where do i go for the state permits? I reside in Cape Coral Florida but i have no idea where to search for the permit. Thanks for your help
Brandon

I found the debate earlier in the year about this. I am asuming by the post that it is almost impossible for a florida resident to obtain this species.How unfortunate. My next question would be, would the Texas Indigo be the closest thing to the Eastern? DO they get as large and as a Florida resident it would be alright for me to obtain a Texas Indigo, would it not?
Thanks again
Brandon
P.S. This political stuff is a real bother(but worth every bit[i hope]).

Florida is indeed very strict about private individuals keeping easterns. In fact, I have even heard that some small zoos/museums/nature centers have had challenges in getting permits to keep them for education purposes. I've had customers try to get permits to no avail so I understand the frustration but I also understand why Florida Fish and Game is so protective over their herpetofauna which has been decimated from the many exotics that have been released into this delicate ecosystem.

Texas indigos are every bit as big and impressive as easterns (when you look at averages). You can't go wrong with one and Florida will allow you to keep them (as far as I know...but, its always good to consult with the appropriate agencies). Hope this helps,
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>I found the debate earlier in the year about this. I am asuming by the post that it is almost impossible for a florida resident to obtain this species.How unfortunate. My next question would be, would the Texas Indigo be the closest thing to the Eastern? DO they get as large and as a Florida resident it would be alright for me to obtain a Texas Indigo, would it not?
>>Thanks again
>>Brandon
>>P.S. This political stuff is a real bother(but worth every bit[i hope]).
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Unfortunately, I have only known of two private keeper who have been approved for permits to keep D. couperi in Florida over the past 15 years and both permits allowed for a single specimen to be maintained. While it might not be impossible to acquire a permit to keep a single specimen, I would imagine a private keeper would have a serious and expensive legal battle to pursue, in order to legally breed D. couperi in captivity in Florida.
While living in Florida and not being allowed to keep or breed D. couperi is disheartening, you may legally acquire and keep any of the other members of the Dry clan, with D. m erebennus and D. m rubidus making excellent fall backs.

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I have checked indigosnake.com of breeders and for some reason i have been unable to email any of those breeders. This is probably due to the fact that my computer is not of the best quality. Would anyone e able to directme to a phone number or website of any breeders that have either the Texas or Red indigo. It would be greatly appreciated.