Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am crazy about northern black racers, although I cannot remember the last time i even saw one . Anyway, is a permit required for catching and keeping them in NJ? I would not be surprised if it is required because it seems like you need a permit to keep anything in that state. I'd appreciate anyone's help.

It is illegal to capture any native species in NJ. You can try to get a collecting permit but I doubt it will be granted if you are trying to keep them as pets. At this time, I believe that if you can aquire them legally from out of the state and can prove origin, then you can keep them on the herp permit you can get from the state.

It depends where you live, I had several juveniles show up in my basement last spring.

Ed

Are you serious? I received papers from the NJ Herp Atlas and in one of the FAQs regards keeping herps. The response mentioned nothing about all species being illegal to keep. I need these racers too. I plan to perform research on them.

I would also like to know what you mean by "It depends on where you live"? Do you mean how the law is enforced or are you talking about the racer's range in NJ?

What I meant by where you live is whether they are still common in your local.

In NJ it is illegal to collect any species native to the state. You will need to apply for a special collecting permit from the state.

See http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/permreq.htm

It specifically lists snakes of the genus Coluber.

Ed

You are right, I did check out a New Jersey site and it does say I need a permit to keep racers. I also got an email from the department that deals with reptile permits and they did say I need a permit to collect a racer for a "pet." Thanks a lot. But now why would they put quotes around "pet?" Snakes can be real pets too! lol

What Department did you email? The Exotic/Pet Permit Department is different then the one that issues Scientific Collecting Permits. Collecting permits come from the "Endangered & Non-Game" Department.... That might explain the "Pet"

Beat me to the answer.

Ed

I was only kidding when I asked about putting pet in quotes. lol. Anyway, does anybody know any hot spots(particularly in the part of NJ closest to Philadelphia) where I can catch one of these black beauties? Every time I see habitat that can accomodate a particular herp, I never find anything.

I usually get a [bleep]load in my barn during the mid summer. If I atch any I'll email you....

That's very nice of you, but no thanks. I'd rather catch one myself(I still haven't kept a herp I caught yet). Anyway, I was just in a town and was told that racers do live around there. They say they are easy to find after a summer shower. Can't wait