Reptile & Amphibian Forums

howdy folks. i have a 1 1/2 year old kingsnake that i saved from a cat at a carls junior after herping. i had him for the 1 1/2 years, when i found him he was a hatchling. would it be possible to release him back in spring, or has he spent to much time in captivity. this just ocurred to me yesterday, the fact that he is wild. im forgetful, anyways thanks in advance.

~JQ
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0.1 flame race sandboa
0.1 anery 2/3 het albino sandboa
1.0 cal kingsnake
1.1 betta
0.1 ferret
1.1 hypo male, albino female cornsnake

He is perfectly capable of survival in the wild. My main consideration would be the diseases he could have possibly picked up from household pets that you wouldn't wante introduced to the wild.

In some states it is illegal to release animals that have spent any amount of time in captivity into the wild, for a number of reasons. Better check your state's regs.

captive or wild caught species of purchase from other areas of distribution, offspring's, non-native, native but bred in captivity, etc. I haven't seen a time limit on these regs of any states but there could be. It is with hypotheses that disease could be transmitted with a released reptile, but it seems to hold water with at least one species and that is the gopher tortoise although the last research i read it wasn't 100% factual for causing the complete problem combined with other factors. This may have changed though on the gopher tortoise situation because i haven't read any updated material lately.

In the words of the California regulation
“(b) For the purposes of this section, "intentionally kill or injure"
does not include death or injury that occurs incidental to an
otherwise lawful activity. This section does not prohibit the capture,
temporary collection or temporary possession of native reptiles
and amphibians done to avoid mortality or injury in connection
with such activities. The live capture and release of native reptiles
and amphibians done to avoid such death or injury may occur
only with the department's written approval.”
I don’t know if you live in the state but if you do I don’t see a problem with it. The regulations also state the following
“5.60.
(e) Reptiles or amphibians which have been in captivity,
including wild-caught and captively-bred individuals or offspring,
shall not be released into the wild without the written approval of
the department.”
These quotes are taken directly from the California Sport Fishing Regulations Handbook.
My reptile collection and research

Our state web sight has no info on really anything on reptiles till you do a " above and beyond " search. That is one of the killers of anything legislative wise concerning reptiles in my state. I don't know how many other states have this problem. Also if you would to ask any wildlife person even at the wildlife agency, you normally get " DUH " ! The only thing that I have gotten on release of reptiles so far is termed " exotic ". But then there is pages and pages of hybrid wolves releasing as to not being illegal ? due to them not being exotic ? Something to do with originality and domestic dog. So would the " exotic " be under pressure if the same scenario concerns a hybrid reptile if one of the hybridize was of native species to or of the state ? WOW !

What State are we speaking of? In California the laws are printed in the back of the “free” sport fishing handbook as well as on the Department of Fish and Game website. I personally keep these documents on my field computer for review when any questions are brought up in the field as to the legality of anything.
My reptile collection and research

Releasing animals into the wild, even if originally wild-caught for whatever reason is not a good idea. Wildlife rehabilition societies are always good to contact for local specifics. The legalities are one thing, but some other things to consider:

1)The already mentioned spread of diseases from captivity is a major concern, as your kenyan sand boa is traced back to Africa for example. The north american wilderness is no place for an african virus. Of course your sand boa is happy and healthy. He has coevolved with african pathogens. North american herps have not. Just an example, but a valid one.

2)More disease issues. Pathogens can also be local in strain and mixing different locales of animals is another vector of disease transfer. Not a problem for the entire species population, but could possibly wipe out a local population.

3)Do snakes in your area hibernate? If so a hibernaculum would be needed and a snake new to the area would be lost and die when winter comes.

4)Numbers 2 and 3 can be avoided by replacing the snake exactly where you found it. Another thing to consider are the hidden changes to the environment. Is this area still habital by snakes? Is there still a valid food supply? Has someone begun spraying pesticides? What other changes could have happened?

This is all just what I know on the subject. I'm an animal health technologist, but NOT a wildlife rehabilitator or a biologist. There are probably many other reasons to keep your snake happy in captivity but if unsure, again, contact your local rehab. society.