Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all. I'm having a little trouble finding info on hot regs in Texas and Ohio. I've been volunteering to get my hours for a hot license down here in Florida, but I have to move suddenly to either Texas or Ohio. If any of you can tell me whether or not hots are allowed in those two areas and what the requirements are for licensing, I'd be much obliged.

Also, thoughts on rattlesnake choices. I've worked with really snappy cottonmouths and I find them really nerve wrecking. My understanding is that some rattlesnakes tend to be much less aggresive. I'd like to get some opinions on which of the rattlesnakes would be best for me. I'm looking for two criteria hear: temperament and venom toxicity. If you have a suggestion outside of rattlesnakes, I'd like to hear it as well, but I'm really into rattlesnakes. Thanks!

As far as Ohio goes, you only need to get a proprogation permit from the Department of Natural Rescources if it is listed as a native species. This would include northern copperheads. Massaugaus and timber rattlers are also considered native species, but they are listed as endangered species, and as such are illegal to possess. All native reptiles and amphibians are required to be PIT tagged. After you get a permit, you are subject to premesis inspections (including unannounced) by ODNR. You also have to keep a ton of paperwork as far as the animal's origin and sale. If you go to the Greater Cincinnati Herpitological Society web site, they have a link to the DNR regulations. I hope this helps.

Good luck,
Todd

Thanks for the info!

there are county & city regulations which "outlaw" dangerous animals in both states. Depends on your specific locale....

The branches of government that deal w/ the animal industry in OH seems to think herpers are "underground" criminals "second only to the drug ring" - as they were quoted in the paper. They have went out of there way to entrap us - not work with us in conserving our native animals. They have failed to realize that the majority of us keep & breed animals in captivity to relieve the pressure of collecting animals in the field. Who wants to buy a parasitized wild Black Ratsnake for $5 when you can buy a captive bred & born animal for $15. They don't care if it is Albino , Leucistic, Licorice Stick or any other morph that IS NOT found in the wild. If by some miracle one of these "freaks" were found in the wild, it surely would be preyed upon. States out west make that distinction & from what I've heard, the people who work DNR & F & G out there are more understanding of a caregiver's intent. In the Mid-west, we are the enemy - not fellow conservationalists.