Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an 05 eastern indigo in the classifieds. I recieved an email from a Resource Naturalist from Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium in SW Florida. He said that they have all the permits and whats the snake. Don't they also need the permit for shipping across state lines ?? Love to send them the snake, but just doesn't sound right. Doe's anyone know if this is legal??
He says that he can fax me a copy of their permit but I always thought permits were animal specific.
Thanks for your help
Steve

>>I don't know FL permits work, especially for indigos, but I would imagine at minimum they would have to get their current permit amended to state the number and sex of the animals they have or intend to have. They may be able to do that after they receive the animal. Again, only a general idea.
The federal permit is for interstate transport, and really applies to commerce. If you are selling or trading the snake for goods, they will need to acquire the permit from the USDI/FWS. If you are donating the snake (no money or trade) then you can ship it without the permit.
It might be a good idea to find and speak to the person/biologist in charge of issuing their current permit and find out for yourself what are the state requirements (paperwork, etc.) for them to acquire this snake.
I will not discourage you but it is a gamble to send captive animals to customers in the states where the animal receives local/state/federal protection. Cross your i's, dot your t's and watch where you step!
good luck,
daveb

n/p

Accept no more emails until you speak with this person on the phone. Someone working at the facility will be more than willing to talk on the phone about the snake and permits. Ask for copies of their permits and cross reference it with FL records. This should easily enough weed out a scammer.

If they are purchasing the snake from you, they would need an interstate commerce permit.

That's the best answer I can come up with.

Doug T

Thanks Doug
I was certain that they would need the interstate permit for shipping and told him so. Have not heard from him since.

Thanks
Steve