Reptile & Amphibian Forums

ok well i live in stocton california and i was woundering if anyone here had any knowledge of the law reguarding keeping native rattle snakes in the stockton city limits?

I live in the sacto area and called fish and game on this because I caught some rattlers. Fish and Game said that with a valid FISHING liscence you can catch rattlers but the law states you can only keep two domstically(in your house as pets). I would assume this is for the entire state. Just be carefule they are very quick and deadly. I keep mine in a huge wooden cage with 1 inch thick plywood and 1/4 inch glass front, also has two padlocks with two different keys. Only the top opens as rattlers dont climb well. Also my rattlers had babies wich is something to watch out for. I had to tear the whole cage apart to make sure of no surprises. If you caught yours locally, it is a northern pacific rattlesnake, a ssp of the western rattler. verrrrrrry toxic venom- dont get bit.

they have calmed down SLIGHTLY but still rattle every time I go near the cage, the front glass is covered with venom. They are good eaters, but I have never seen them actually eat the mouse. Sometimes I give them live mice other times prekilled. Either way I leave the snake room for an hour and when i return the mice are gone.

Also get some form of mite stuff as I garuntee they have mites and other internal parasites.always wash your hands before touching other snakes or pets.

I have had mine since about may, and they are very cool snakes. The shock value from friends or girls is way cool. JUST BE REALLY CAREFUL as there are not alot of places around to get the very expensive antivenin, I think only davis medical around here has it.
I'll post some pics to this hopefully tomorrow