Upon recently getting information on keeping bobcats in West Virginia I heard there were new regulations on keeping venomous reptiles in West Virginia and that I would need to obtain a permit. I called the WV division of Natural Resources and got the run around. I finally got in touch with a lady that stated I do in fact need an "import permit" from the USDA and that I would need a state permit from the WVDNR. I asked if I would still need to get a permit if my animals were not imported and were all obtained from local breeders and she stated "I don't think so, but you will need to make sure the breeder was licensed".
This lady obviously has no idea what she was talking about so I'm asking you. Where can I find updated regulations for my state on these matters and how do I go about getting permits. I've been keeping venomous snakes for a few years as well as some venomous inverts and 'gators. I love my pets and want to make sure I abide by all of the laws so I will never have to worry about them being confiscated; however, everyone seems to keep giving me the run around.
Thanks ahead of time.
