Reptile & Amphibian Forums

is it true that if you own a fishing liscense in california then you can own up to 2 rattlesnakes?
j/w

Hi.
Below is the state law, off the ca. dept of fish and game website.
Doesnt say anything about limit 2. You must also know if you have any local county or city ordinances against hots. They must be in a locked, escape proof room, in a locked and properly labeled cage.
The only thing the fishing regs say about rattlers is "no licence is needed for the sport take of any rattlesnake." The "limit 2" stated for species listed in the fishing regs should not apply to rattlesnakes. "Rattlesnake" is not a species, it is a family, and its not even on the list.
I think the limit 2 idea probably came around from a southern ca. county ordinance.

"Restricted species are;(E) Family Crotalidae - Pit Vipers All species (D), except Crotalus viridis (Western rattlesnake), Crotalus atrox (Western diamondback rattlesnake), Crotalus ruber (red diamondback rattlesnake), Crotalus scutulatus (Mojave rattlesnake), Crotalus mitchelli (speckled rattlesnake) and Crotalus cerastes (Sidewinder) not restricted."

The only ones that can be legally bought/sold are albino's.

You can keep as many native rattlers as you like, but you cannot purchase them unless they are albino. No fishing license required. I know it is illegal to keep them in LA county.
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Nick Puder
www.rnpreptiles.com