Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone know if the fwc legal in Illinois, or where I might find such information?
Thanks in advance,
RF

I would contact your states Department of natural resources. Often they do not specifically address rear-fanged snakes and the label "Venomous" can be arbitrary. I had my states DNR send me a sign letter stating that they did not consider Vine snakes(Oxybelis sp) to be venomous, and thus they are legal for me to keep. I would suggest that you do the same to protect yourself from difference of opinion amoungst their ranks.
Link

Well, if we're talking about Illinois, it's my bet that a FWC would be a no-no. I don't believe Illinois breaks down what is legal and what isn't by species. You may try contacting your state game and fish dept., but I'll wager you'll have better luck in contacting the herpetology dept. of a local zoo or university.

-Kris

The laws are generally vague, and often aren't specific, refering to venomous or nonvenomous, and not even mentioning rear-fanged. A zoo might give you good advice, but they're not going to stop that animal control person from taking your snake away. Its unfortunate that the people who enforce the rules don't know a kingsnake from a cobra, so if you can get something in writing, that's your best bet. My experience with the Maryland DNR was a very positive, they were very understand and willing to help. I would hope that same is true of the DNR in Illinois.

Is to refer to the snakes by another common name used for them, the Brazilian smooth snake. Calling them false water cobras only raises flags with uneducated DNR people and is of course completely inaccurate since it implies they are mimicking something that lives on another continent!

Cheers
Bryan
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Dr. Bryan Grieg Fry
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Australian Venom Research Unit,
University of Melbourne
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Population and Evolutionary Genetics Unit,
Museum Victoria
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http://www.venomdoc.com

i dont know how legal this is but people often ship them and lable them as hognose snakes
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tree boas all the fun none of the venom

well if the point is to legally keep them, I like the idea of using other common names that are less intimidating. Your also more likely to get a representative of DNR to sign off on one particular species then to get them to address rear-fanged snakes in general. I think the laws leave a lot to interpretation, so how you present the snake will certainly affect their attitude. I think most of are content with the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, but it's nice to be able take your snake out in the yard for some sun without worrying if the neihbor is going to call animal control.

RF, I am a herpetologist with the IL DNR. I'd be happy to answer your question on the legality of FWC's in IL. Contrary to what many folks believe, just because something is rear-fanged does not mean it is illegal in IL. Send me an email. Thanks.

Hey, legally, are rear-fanged snakes addressed in Illinois, or do have a list that you work from in determining whats legal and whats not?

Rick, rear-fanged snakes are dealt with from a legal standpoint in IL, but we work from a list of what is currently considered to be life-threatening vs. not of medical significance.

Scott Ballard

Just as I thought, which is why it's best to be species specific when inquiring as to their status. Thanks, for your help.