Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I live in rural Misouri {midstate} And would like to add a pit viper to my herp collection. I chose It not because of how everyone downplays the danger of its bite, But because of its Beauty. I understand it can be very potentially dangerous! My only problem is its winter. But it is not too cold in my area. Is it logical that it could be collected from is natural habitat during winter? Even if not where do copperheads spend there winter? If anyone could provide me with these answers IN DETAIL It would be a huge help!!

Thanks in advance Brian,

Herps include;

American Alligator 5ft
Tocay Geckos 1ft
Alligator Snapping Turtle 2ft
Austrailian Frilled Necked Dragon 3ft

Firstly, it is illegal to own a wild caught MO pit viper in MO. One needs a Class II Wildlife Permit to keep native venomous and you must be able to show documentation that you obtained your specimens from a source outside of MO or from a legal sanctioned breeder within the state. The permit costs $250 annually. Get a copy of the Missouri wildlife code book to find out the details. Exotic venomous are not regulated, but you must be aware of prohibitive local county and city ordinances. Copperheads overwinter in hibernacula often collectively with conspecifics and other species. I would not advise taking a wintering copperhead out of its den nor would I advise taking any MO pit vipers into captivity. Get the permits and buy a CB specimen. They fare alot better in captivity anyway.