REVIEW-JOURNAL (Las Vegas, Nevada) 12 November 06 Illegally collected snake seized by NDOW
Poaching, or the illegal take of animals, is a crime that costs Nevada's citizens, its government and the environment. If or when poaching occurs, the Nevada Department of Wildlife attempts to seize illegally obtained wildlife, both live and dead.
The wildlife that NDOW seizes can include anything from deer harvested without a tag to live reptiles collected for pets or trade. Recently, NDOW became the owner and benefactor of a protected species of snake, the Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake. The snake had been illegally collected in Nevada and exported across the border to Idaho. Idaho Fish and Game seized the animal and returned it to its Nevada home, where it is currently under the care of NDOW.
Because the mission of NDOW includes the protection of wildlife as well as serving the public, some collection of unprotected reptiles is allowed.
According to NDOW reptile biologist Polly Conrad states that there are four important things to remember if interested in the collection of Nevada's native reptiles:
• Learn the regulations and how to correctly identify Nevada's reptile species.
• Get the appropriate permits and know and follow the permit's reporting requirements.
• Never import or export native wildlife without the written permission of the NDOW.
• Never release captive animals into the wild, whether native to Nevada or not.
Illegally collected snake seized by NDOW