Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm moving from California to Missouri in June, and had a question. I have 2 ball pythons & 2 leopard geckos. So far, I've figured out that the geckos are legal, but I do have a question about the snakes. The law (that I've found, anyways) outlaws "dangerous" snakes, which they define as able to grow up to 6 feet. Does anyone know if ball pythons are included as "dangerous," since rarely they could actually grow to 6 feet?

You do not have to register ball pythons in accordance with the state law as they do not get over 6ft.

You might want to check the local ordinances wherever you are moving though to CYA.

in the state itself. Now that is sate law but many city restrictions on sizes and certain reptiles. The only problem in Missouri as far as state law and that is suppose to be mandatory is on venomous where you are to seek out the county wildlife agency that you live in to tell them that you are keeping hots. Of course there are restrictions on native species of the state.

Chambo

Mike, I looked it up to prove you wrong, and found out I was
wrong as well

You must register any snake over 8ft long, not 6. You must register them with the local sheriff's office. (Note, many offices will not know what you are talking about.)

Here's the text, and link.
http://www.moga.state.mo.us/statutes/C500-599/5780000023.HTM

Chapter 578
Miscellaneous Offenses
Section 578.023

August 28, 2003

Keeper of dangerous wild animals must register animals, exceptions --penalty.
578.023. 1. No person may keep any lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, Canada lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena, wolf, bear, nonhuman primate, coyote, any deadly, dangerous, or poisonous reptile, or any deadly or dangerous reptile over eight feet long, in any place other than a properly maintained zoological park, circus, scientific, or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital, or animal refuge, unless such person has registered such animals with the local law enforcement agency in the county in which the animal is kept.

2. Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a class C misdemeanor.

and of course you are right about them ( what agency ) knowing what you are talking about when registering as i proved with my Bates county wildlife officer when i lived around Butler. I asked him to come out to view my venomous to go with the Mo. law and he had no idea what i wanted with him other then knowing that i had an exotic petstore in Grandview. He only asked about large felions in which i didn't have. I had to convince him that i was suppose to register any venomous with in the county that i lived by law. The only reason that we came about what the law was about living in the boonies and no neihbors for over 1/2 mile , was for emergency people in case of fire or natural disaster or paramedics ( I guess ) so they knew what they may have had to deal with entering my residents. Of course if they ( the above )knew who to contact in case ( which no one ever said that this was part of the agenda ) you could imagine if they would even enter knowing. Even if the animals were in a seperate building under lock and key. LOL !

Chambo