Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey All, I am trying to ship a snake from puerto rico into the US. Can this be done? what are the chances of getting in trouble if i dont declare it?

thanks

it would help if we knew what kind of snake it was , how big ? venomous ? wild caught or captive bred ? does it have a verifiable history ?, in any case you will need AT LEAST federal form ; #3-200-3 license to import / export wild life , it needs to be received at a fedarally designated wildlife import approved airport . FEDERAL fish and wildlife (seperate from state fish and wildlife)is a division of united states dept. of agriculture, all info can be accessed through their website.if this animal is endangered or threatened, then it may require cites documentation at both ends (allow 90 days) and may also require vetrinary certification, WARNING DO NOT TRY AND TRANSPORT THIS SNAKE UNDECLARED ; PENALTIES CAN BE AS HIGH AS $200,000.00 (TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND)US. AND CAN BE ACCOMPANIED BY CRIMINAL WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING CHARGES & SIGNIFICANT PRISON TIME

PS THE EASEIR ROUT WOULD BE TO FIND ALREADY LICENSED EXPORTER IN PUERTO RICO AND FIND AN ALREADY LICENSED US IMPORTER AT YOUR DESIGNATED PORT OF IMPORT

I have shipped tortoises to Puerto Rico many times but have never received any reptiles from Puerto Rico. The USFWS told me that as far as CITES (International law) is concerned Puerto Rico is considered part of the USA so CITES permits area not necessary.

There are many state and federal regulations that do still apply. Many states require entry permits, transportation permits, or have restrictions on importing live reptiles. Some species are listed on the US Endangered Species list and require permits.

Please do not attempt to violate the shipping regulations. The shipping box must be clearly labeled identifying the reptiles you are shipping. Violating any regulations is hurting those who are legally shipping their animals and is contributing to the push to ban our hobby altogether.