I live in West Virginia and I would like to buy a Black Rat Snake. In WV, it is illegal to capture a wild snake, which I wouldn't do anyway thanks to all those parasites. Its also illegal to sell them in WV. So here is my problem: Can I own a captive bred one if it was purchased online from a breeder in another state? Is it illegal to own one, or only if it was a wild caught snake?
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Black Rat Snake--legal or illegal?
FF7Turk
Nov 28, 2005 04:15 AM
Replies (4)
Steve_Craig
Nov 28, 2005 08:00 PM
I know there is a Kevin that post on here from time to time that has a white-sided black rat. He's from West Virginia. So as far as I know, it looks like you can, but double check with your states wildlife regulations just to be safe.
Steve
Jolliff
Nov 29, 2005 01:41 PM
Call information & get the # for WVDNR - here is their address:
West Virginia Department of Natural Resources
Division of Wildlife
PO Box 67
Elkins, WV 26241-0067
I looked over their website & found no reference to laws concerning animals that are not listed as threatened or endangered (which is the way I believe it should be) - maybe I overlooked it - let us know:
http://www.wvdnr.gov/Main.shtm
Foreman
Dec 01, 2005 09:27 AM
>>I live in West Virginia and I would like to buy a Black Rat Snake. In WV, it is illegal to capture a wild snake, which I wouldn't do anyway thanks to all those parasites. Its also illegal to sell them in WV. So here is my problem: Can I own a captive bred one if it was purchased online from a breeder in another state? Is it illegal to own one, or only if it was a wild caught snake?
It IS NOT illegal to own a WC black rat snake in WV. I called more local DNR office and they told me you could catch one and keep it as a pet BUT you could not sell it.
I caught a hatchling the firat week in Sept. and he is doing great eating like clock work and is now parasite free. He is as calm as ANY store/breeder snake I have ever own.
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Like I said; I`m Gonna Getcha Good!
FF7Turk
Dec 01, 2005 11:44 PM
Wow. I can keep a wild caught, eh? Thats interesting. They're all over the place around here so I'll find one. Could you guys tell me what to do to make sure its parasite and disease free? Unfortunately I dont have any reptile vets around where I live. I do have some mite-off for surface mites, but what about internal parasites?
