Reptile & Amphibian Forums

am wondering if rear fang snakes such as false water cobras are illegal in Illinois

I would recommend contact Scott Ballard from the IDNR. Many rear fangs could potentially be considered illegal. Hognose snakes are okay as are several exotics but you would have to get a decision by him. Illinois is fairly strict on venomous laws so when in doubt, call the IDNR.

>>am wondering if rear fang snakes such as false water cobras are illegal in Illinois
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

thanks a lot i just talked to him and he was bvery helpful on a number of things.basically for rear fangs it comes down to medical sigificance,and local laws,he also cleared up thsnake length law.licensed department ag business's(pet shops) cant sell a snake over 6 feet but its illegal town 15 feet or longer based on a supreme court ruling saying a 7 ft boa was not a dangerous animal but a 15 fot python had the potential to be a dangerous animal so it comes down to couty and municipality laws but he did say there was a grey area between 7-15 ft. so be responsible.also he was very helpful,and nice so if u live in IL. and have any questions just call or email IDNR they actually ahve two herpetologists there..

Thanks for clearing up the length law--as it got shorter and shorter over the years I always wondered about that. 6' is not very long for lots of non-venomous.