Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, its legal to obtain as many rattlesnakes as desired in california without a fishing liscence, but not legal to breed them for sale in the trade. Is it illegal to transport them, like in the situation that you move? Its not legal to release your captive snakes, but I hear that California will not allow the snakes to leave the state. Is this true? What will I do with my captives when I move to go to school?

California law is unenforced and overall is overall unclear. If I were you I would take your snakes with you. I know I did when I moved to texas a few years ago.
-Doc
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Swift, Silent, Deadly

I would suggest caution when publicly encouraging someone to flagrantly disregard the law.
Oddly enough, enforced or not, there have been several instances of various F&G or DNR or whatever the particular state agency's acronym having agents that peruse these forums looking for flagrant violators.
There are few people in this country that are easier to track down than a serviceman/woman.
Having been targeted by a sting operation, I know whereof I speak.
Karl

I am sorry to hear what happend to you. As far as F&G go, I doubt that they go after smalltime keepers, it would be a waste of resources and a bigger waste of tax payer money. But, you are right, better safe the sorry. Thanks for the advice bro.
-Doc
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Swift, Silent, Deadly

Certainly I do not wish to violate laws. I am wondering about how to legally transport these serpents out of state in the event of moving. If I can not take the with me and can not release them, what am I to do with them?

Whats up Carlos!

Did you drive or fly? If you drove, would they search you at the boarder? If by flight, how would you ship them to your new home?

I drove crosscountry. I have never been stopped at any border. Chances of you getting caught are almost none existant, but then again you never know. This is the type of risk you yourself have to decide to take or not to take. If you get caught at the california border, you will probably be fined heavily. Then again, I have never seen anyone checked crossing over into Nevada and Arizona. In the end the choice is yours.
-Doc
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Swift, Silent, Deadly

Does this mean you are not (legally) permitted to purchase native animals (i.e. WDBs) from a resident of CA?

No you cannot. The only snakes that residents can legally sell are kings, gophers, and rosy boas. Im sure that you can give them away, but I dont think the snakes can legally cross the boarder. If you find someone selling, or purchased already, get in touch with them and see if you can get a permit for this, because that is exactly what I want to do, but with mojaves and red diamonds. These snakes are all over the trade these days, so I dont know why there would be laws against it, there must be a way around it (legally) and I hope to find it.