Reptile & Amphibian Forums

All I want to know is if I need a permit to own a non-native copperhead in the state of Ohio. The DNR's website has somehow found a way to address everything but the issue of non-natives. I have written them several times and they will not answer me.

This is getting frustrating. I have read in several places where the DRN does not regulate non-native venomous and they do not require a permit as long as you can prove they are non-native.

Does anybody know for sure just what the law says. If I dont find out soon, Im just going to assume that what I wrote above is true.

Thanks for any help.

(np)

Good question. The answer, however, is not clear cut. It depends on the interpretation of the DNR officer you ask. Ask 2 officers and you get 2 answers. Strictly interpreted, it seems that if you could supply the documentation that they want, you should be okay. The problem is, the law in question does not differentiate between reptile caught in the state or reptiles from out of state. Your copperhead may be from out of state, but the loop hole in the law still carries it as a native species. All advantages to the State, none to the herper. Sorry I can't help you more.

All the best,
Todd

The DNR does not govern non native species . However with copperheads you may have a bit of work to do . The northern copperhead is indeed as you seem to know native to Ohio . Now if you got a southern copperhead for example you need the paper work to back you .

A bill of sale would only prove you did not collect it in Ohio . If you came up with proof the copperhead in quetion is not a northern then your in the clear . I wrote to the DNR when this law was first put on the books and was told no non native species is governd by the DNR . Also if you had an Ohio native species you would need to get in touch with the DNR and apply for the permit . It is 10 dollars for non propigation and 25 dollars for a propigation permit per year . Hope this helps some . Oh and do not forget the PIT tags if native .

Good Luck ,

Kevin
NAROA

I hate to complicate the issue, but the various copperheads are all the same species, different subspecies. I'm not sure if the Ohio DNR will reconize the subspecies designation for purposes of the regulation. Hope someone out there can answer this for you.

So lets say I purchased a copperhead from out of state. Would the only things I need be an entry permit and a vet check?

What if I bought a captive born from a breeder here in Ohio? Does that make the snake native, thus requiring me to get a permit and a PIT tag? It seems that would be cheaper than an entry permit and a vet check. However, I am reluctant to give a snake a PIT tag because I have heard reports that they are quite harmful to snakes.

It is a fine line because most ODNR cannot distinguish between N & S copperheads - especially since there are naturally occuring intergrades in the wild. If there is any doubt, play it safe & include it on your permit. They do make the sub-species distinction in the law. Therefore, N. Copperheads (& interegrades) are the only animals that need to be included on your permit & PIT Tagged if they are over 18" SVL. If they are from out of state, you need a Vet. Health Certificate Number to get your entry permit from the Dept. of Agriculture. Keep your receipt stating that it is a Southern - if that is the case. Enjoy your animal before they make it illegal to keep an exotic period which is definately the direction they are heading. This is a Police State....what more can you say about communism?

I really dont want to insert a PIT tag into my snake, so I might just get one from out of state, and go ahead and get my entry permit and vet check. That will save me from having to get an owners permit and PIT.

If it is a Northern or looks like a Hybrid you need to follow their regs. in regards to native animals - no matter where or from whom you bought it. The only way you can get out of it is to buy a Southern & it doesn't matter where or from whom you buy it from.

Thanks for the help, Joliff, even if it wasnt what I wanted to hear. I guess in order to aviod PIT'ing the snake, I will have to buy a southern...
Bummer, I really like the northerns...

Could you explain to me what steps I need to take in order to buy a southern copperhead within the state of Ohio. The reason I ask is because:

1. Ohio doesnt regulate non-native?

2. It would be CB in the state of Ohio, therefore I would assume that I dont have to have it to have an entry permit or vet check since its not coming from out of state.

Going by what I have just pointed out, it seems like I dont have to do anything but buy the snake, but I know thats not right, its too easy and govnt wouldnt allow anything to be easy...

That is it. Just got to buy it & be careful.....

no post here

on some of these forums and threads . LOL !....