Reptile & Amphibian Forums

does anyone know of any list or links to a site that lists state by state regulations on western hognose snakes. I know they aren't at shows in IL because they're a threatened native species, but I'm guessing they're regulated in other states as well. Appreciate any help. Adam

www.kingsnake.com/laws/
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Herp Conservation Unlimited
Mexicana Group Directory
Photography by Joseph E. Forks

Here is a list I compiled last year. It is by no means conclusive, and I am sure some states have probably changed since I researched all the info. It might give you a good start though.

Alabama - It shall be unlawful to take, capture, kill, or attempt to take, capture or kill, possess, sell, trade for anything of monetary value, or offer to sell or trade for anything of monetary value without a scientific collection permit or written permit from the Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which shall specifically state what the permittee may do with regard to said species. This applies to the Southern Hognose.

Arizona - You must have a license to collect native hogs and you can only have 4 in possession at any time. Captive born babies from a native hog can be kept for one year.

Arkansas - Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species. Owners must have proof of legal purchase. If the number of animals possessed exceeds six, the owner must obtain a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. This applies to Eastern Hognose.

California - Permits required to keep native species. This applies to Western Hognose.

Colorado - up to four Western Hognose may be taken annually and held in captivity, provided that no more than twelve in the aggregate may be possessed at any time.

Connecticut - Under the Connecticut Code (Sec. 26-55-3-E) possession of Eastern Hognose is limited to a single specimen. They are a species of special concern.

Delaware - Eastern hognose conservation concern in the Northeast, according to the Northeast Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee.

Georgia - Eastern and Southern Hognose snake may not be held as a pet regardless of its origin or morphology.

Idaho - All Idaho reptiles and amphibians (except bullfrog) are classified as protected nongame species. The rule does allow up to four native amphibians and reptiles of a given species to be captured and held in captivity by holders of a valid Idaho hunting license.

Illinois - Westerns are threatened

Indiana - Indiana residents over the age of 17 must have a valid hunting or fishing license to collect amphibians and reptiles from the wild. There is a possession limit of four. Special permitting may be required to sell. This applies to the Eastern Hognose.

Iowa - Western and Eastern Hognose are protected. It is illegal to kill or collect this species by law without a permit.

Kansas - Eastern Hognose considered a species in need of conservation.

Kentucky - Captive wildlife permits are not required for persons taking or possessing up to five (5) individuals of each species of a native reptile or amphibian. Complete records must be kept for 5 years. This applies to Eastern Hognose.

Maryland - In MD (currently) you are allowed to have up to 4 eastern hogs without a permit. With a permit you can have more than 4 easterns but you are limited to only 4 of them having been taken from the wild (the others have to have documentation proving they are captive bred and/or legally obtained from outside of the state).

Massachusetts - Illegal to harass, kill, collect or possess Eastern Hognose

Michigan - Permit required to keep native snakes like Easterns.

Minnesota - Western Hognose considered endangered.

Mississippi - Southern Hognose protected

Montana - Can only sell Westerns if they are captive bred

New Hampshire - Eastern Hognose are considered threatened

New York - Eastern hognose listed as a species of special concern.

North Carolina - Southern Hognose listed as a species of special concern and as a Federal species of concern.

Ohio - Only regulates easterns. Residents over 18 must have state ODNR permit. Permit entitles holder to wild catch and keep up to 4, with no limit on total kept or breeding. Must keep records.

South Dakota - Eastern Hognose are considered threatened

Virginia - No more than 5 Eastern hognose may be kept at one time (even if they are all captive bred) And you may not sell them, period.

Wisconsin - Persons may collect or possess up to 5 individuals of each unprotected native herptile species, this applies to Eastern Hognose

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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" Author unknown

Not to split hairs, because it really is but you seem to be conciencious so I thought I'd let you know that in MN, the Western Hoggy is of "special concern" not endangered.

"A species is considered endangered if the species is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range within Minnesota."

"A species is considered a species of special concern if, although the species is not endangered or threatened, it is
extremely uncommon in Minnesota, or has unique or highly specific habitat requirements and deserves careful
monitoring of its status. Species on the periphery of their range that are not listed as threatened may be included in
this category along with those species that were once threatened or endangered but now have increasing or protected,
stable populations."

Yeah, splitting hairs, I know.

Like I said, this was last year when I gathered the info, and I pulled it off of each states website. Thanks for the input though.
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Jenea
Guardian Reptiles

"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" Author unknown

Thank you, Jenea, for taking the info in the spirit it was intended. I really appreciate it.

Quick correction to:

California - Permits required to keep native species. This applies to Western Hognose.

Western hognose are not native to California so they are not governed by state regulations for native reptiles. No permits required to keep or commercially breed them.

-Alice