Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can anyone inform me of any laws regarding the relocation of Rattle Snakes in California? I have searched the DFG website time and time again with no luck. Thank you in advance

nm

I think that this is pretty spot on:

§40. General Provisions Relating to Native Reptiles and Amphibians.
(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.
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/pdffiles/fg1502.pdf

It's written about 2/3rds down page 2.

-Alice

The laws regarding relocation and the biology regarding relocation are two totally different things. If you are looking at relocating rattlesnakes on a regular basis, please also take the time to talk with some biologists to learn about all the aspects of relocation such as territories, disease transmission, resource capacities relating to food & shelter, and so on. Unfortunately, too many people think it is as easy as capturing the snake and letting it go near a nice rock somewhere secluded. They walk away with a sense of accomplishment while the snake is out there frantically seeking shelter from the hawk overhead or trying to compete for food and slowly starving to death. If the best interests of the snakes are in mind, which I might assume since you are on this forum, then please take the extra time to learn the in's & out's of relocation so you don't unknowingly subject a snake to freezing to death because it couldn't find a place to hibernate.