Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hypothetical scenario...

If I go on vacation in Ca, (but do not reside there) and purchase an Eastern while on vacation (read that to mean actual physical transaction with a breeder in Ca), do i have to have the fed paperwork when I go back to my home state? The animal would be a pet, not to be used for commercial purposes...I don't think so, because if I'm correct the paperwork only pertains to interstate commerce, and the snake will not be used for commercial purposes...plus the transaction took place in it's entirety in Ca....Am I right?

Any ideas?

-AzAtrox

When I purchased mine (in Ohio), the breeder said that I had to show proof that I was a legal resident. This was in Ohio but I would imagine federal law is everywhere!
Steve

It doesn't matter where you go to buy it, if it crosses state lines to go "home" you need a permit.

If you cross state lines with the intent to buy a federally protected species you would require a permit. If, however, you were visiting a friend and found a protected species with no prior knowlege or intent to purchase it is not illegal. This is a gray area but its all about INTENT and PRIOR KNOWLEGE. To be on the safe side just get a permit. It just takes time but thats better than spending money on an attorney. thanks...Tom Crutchfield

Remember, you can't get a permit to keep an Endangered Species as a "Pet". There are other things such as "Captive Propagation" that you'll want to use on the permit application.

The permit is easy, it's just that you need a little time and a little money to get it.

Doug T