Reptile & Amphibian Forums

With this trend to make state laws restricting exotic herps, I am thinking about starting a herp community where we can all live happily ever after without interference from big brother. Which state would be the best candidate?

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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

Louisiana has regulations that you can live with. The only state law concerning exotic reptiles (non-native to the state) is being promulgated now by the State DWF and the Louisiana Reptile & Amphibian Task Force. Act 1221 of the state legislature mandates that locations that keep non-indigenous constrictors over 12 feet and/or venomous snakes have to have a permit for which there is no charge. The requirements include keeping the snakes in a secure locked enclosure and notifying DWF of escapes. However, as in all other states, local communities have their own regulations which need to be observed. There is a current bill before the legislature to ban the ownership of large exotic cats because of a leopard attack on its owner. We are opposing this legislation because it was an isolated incident and it is an intrusion on personal rights.
~Bill Watts~
Legislative Committee Chairman
Louisiana Gulf Coast Herpetolgical Society
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n/p
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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."

What experiences have you had with the State of Louisiana's reptile laws or DWF? ~Bill~
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Outside the limits of specific cities that have some ordinances, the only animal you are not allowed to keep is the black mamba.
Endangered species may require permits.
That's all. (I've dug into it extensively).
There are a few native species of herps which you may not collect from the wild without educational permits, and the permits are not difficult to acquire.
Wyoming is the least populated state in the US, with a population even lower than that of Alaska.

Advantages: Plenty of room, virtually no laws. Land in the county (in my case, Laramie county, though this holds true for most areas aside from those right next to Yellowstone) is pretty cheap. Denver is only 2 hours away from Cheyenne. Cost of living is very low--no State income taxes.

Disadvantages: Very few local sales, gets pretty cold in the winter. High winds are frequent, occasional blizzards (every couple of years)--invest in a backup generator. Also very dry--which is fantastic for some species, but may make keeping humidity up more difficult for others. If you can't quit your day job, the job market here is rather depressed, so finding work could be a difficulty.

Sounds delightful!
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Zoodude

"Just because I'm paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't after me."