Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been raising non-venomous snakes for some time now and have found the hobby both rewarding and fulfilling.

I am now looking to expand my interest by looking into hots. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the legality of venomous snakes in California. Specifically San Fernando Valley (If that makes a difference)

Also, any other advice to raising and keeping venomous snakes responsibly and safely would also be appreciated.

Thank you kindly.

It is illegal to posess any non-native (Californian) venomous snakes without a permit. It is very unlikely they will issue a private individual a permit. That's not saying you cannot try but you may have a better chance of finding Osama Bin Laden.

Sorry for the bad news,

Al
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Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

So I am to believe, it IS legal to own one of the 6 native rattlesnakes to California without a permit? Legally?

Thank you for the info!!! Thank you very much!

Hi:

I thought what I said was clear:

"It is illegal to posess any non-native (Californian) venomous snakes without a permit."

It's say NON-NATIVE, Keeping NATIVE venomous is permitted.

Al
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Law of Logical Argument: Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.

State laws in CA have no restrictions right now. However, most cities have laws against "dangerous pets". You will NEED to check with the local authorities to make sure BEFORE you get one. With that said there are other factors involved. Keeping a "hot" is not like keeping a Ball Python or a cornsnake. Please have a proper cage, right equipment & educate yourself on what is envolved.
BTW, If you have children I would advise not to get them unless you put them in a room that is locked with a key. Someone I know was charged with child endangerment when the ex-wife reported that he had rattlesnakes back in 1993. She used that against him in court for the custody battle.

after reading it over, I realized I didn't put that in. You can purchase an albino WDB from out of state...because they are albino & native to California. NO exotics!!! No snakes not native to CA!!!

It is illegal to posses even native venomous in most of LA County, only in some unincorporated areas is it legal.