Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am seriously considering keeping a rattlesnake as a pet, but this would be my first venemous reptile that I would be "keeping" as a pet. I have captured a few mojave's and a speckled rattler before, and kept them only for a few days before releasing them...

I've had several snakes my entire life, even a few agressive species, just nothing venemous.

I understand 99% of people will say "don't get a rattlesnake", but for those of you with this information I would appreciate some assistance.

1) I can't find the State laws in AZ for rattlesnakes. Which species are allowed, and what permits/licenses do I require?

2) Which cage is recommended. I obviously want something escape proof and unbreakable.

3) Which species do you recommend? I want something that will stay relatively small, and is not agressive (in terms of rattlesnake agression). I don't want a snake that bites the glass every 2 minutes and rattles 24-7. I want the snake to be relatively happy with its habitat.

4) Any downside to ordering a snake in the classifieds vs. capturing in the wild? (I'm concerned most local species will be protected in some way?)

Hey there...this should clarify things for you:

1) The protected species of rattlesnake here in Az are as follows: C. willardi, C. pricei, C. lepidus, all Sistrurus...All other native species may be kept with a possession limit of 4 per species.

2) You do not need a license to keep native crotalid species...you DO however need a Class F or G hunting license to collect...You can purchase this at any Wal-Mart or other sporting goods store.

3) I'd recommend a solid wooden enclosure with a lockable door or top...That's what I use and have never had any issues...

4) If you live in Az, you CANNOT buy a crotalid...Az prohibits the commercialization of it's native wildlife...therefore, you are resigned to going into the field and collecting your own.

5) You definitely want to stay away from C. atrox and C. scutulatus...both species are highly reactive and will rattle pretty much 24/7 if distrubed...Of the native species, I'd recommend a juvenile C. molossus...These guys are generally pretty relaxed and easy to work with...they also are pretty darn attractive (one of my fave crotalids)...They do get to roughly 4 feet or so, but they are definitely an interesting species to work with.

Some might suggest C. cerastes...while these guys are definitely interesting, it's my belief they are a bit too "specialized" for someone looking for their first Crotalus...I have had good luck with them, but it can be difficult at times to get them to take rodents...

Good luck! BE SAFE

-AzAtrox

azatrox, thanks for your response! I have been reading alot of your posts on the "other" forum too!

I am slowly piecing together the items needed for my first hike (license, hook, bucket, etc).

I am hoping to find a juvenile C. molossus before summer's end (I actually saw one of these a few weeks ago golfing, but I had no license yet, no tools on me, too many other reasons not to try and snag it to list!)

Anyone have ideas on good spots to look for this species? Preferabbly some place accessible easily with a non-4wd vehicle, reasonably close to a highway, etc?

Also, I read that it is illegal to search at night with lights, yet I see lot's of people posting about it in various forums? Is hunting for herps at night ok?

I'm new to this, most of my native snakes I have had during my life I just happened to stumble upon, I've never "hunted" for a particular species, so I am open for suggestions!