Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all,

I'm the proud owner of a nearly five year old female Eastern Indigo (Lenore). I recently was offered a full time writing job that involves me moving to Oslo, Norway for a year (or more).

Can anyone tell me the logistics of bringing Lenore (or point me in the right direction on where to look for this information)? What kind of permits are necessary? Does Norway even allow the import of snakes? Etc.

thanks,

Joshua

Dear Joshua, I don't know the details, but I would start with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife service, who I think regulates such matters. It might be also wise to contact US Customs as the date draws near. Maybe one of the import/exporters like Tom Crutchfield or Dan will know? I would try to prepare papers to show your lawful ownership status, to overcome suspicion it is a wild caught animal. I would love to hear how this goes, we could learn a lot. Easterns are very sought after in Europe, and you could probably arrange a breeding loan with her. Good luck, and get started right away, as the Federal Govt. won't be hurried for anyone...Vic H.

Save yourself the effort, stress and expense. It's very difficult to take any ESA listed animal out of the country and it would never be allowed for a pet animal.

Here's a few options that would work:

1-Breeding loan to anyone in the USA for the time you are gone. Since you are not selling it to them, just loaning for breeding, you can ship the animal to the new caretaker and get him/her back no problem. You could give it to any caretaker anywhere it's legal to keep them, as long as you don't sell it to them.

2-Sell it. No snake is worth a year of employment overseas.

3-Donate her. Again, no snake is worth a year of employment overseas.

Couperi are bred quite commonly. You can get another one when you return to the USA. You aren't going to get a permit to take her out of the USA. Frankly, you may not get a permit to sell her before you go. Give her to someone to take care of and get her back when you return is the easiest option.

Doug T