Reptile & Amphibian Forums

An eastern indigo has been a dream of mine for almost 30 years. After all this time, I've decided that as soon as I have the money, I want to make that dream a reality. But, is it legal?

I know about the $100 interstate license. But, I'm not totally sure about the state laws. From what I can glean from internet searches, AL residents must have written permission for the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. Or, something similar.

I was hoping there might be someone here from AL or that had sold to AL residents and knew the laws.

Any help clarifying this?
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If you are a Alabama resident you can possess a Eastern Indigo if you have a "Scientific Collecting Permit" or other undescribed permit as issued by the Commissioner of the Department Of Conservation And Resources. This has nothing to do with USFW Service. As you alluded to, A interstate commerce permit is required from them for interstate movement unless the animal is legitimately gifted to you, or you possess one legally and move across state lines.

Thank you, Shadowguy.

I don't know if that info is good or bad. It seems unlikely I'd be able to get a research permit. I wonder how free they are with the "other" permit. I guess I'll find out when the time arrives.
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"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."

You have to contact the non-game biologist for the permit and you have to give at least 6 documented snake talks a year. Even then there is no guarantee you will get it.

I know for a fact you can legally have an eastern indigo in Alabama, you just have to go through the permitting process. It takes a little time to fill out permit and go through the process. You could contact Roger Clay a wildlife biologist with the state of Alabama and talk to him or I can give you contact info for my friend who went through the process and owns one. I can get contact info for Roger also if you'd like just let me know and I'll get the info.

>>I know for a fact you can legally have an eastern indigo in Alabama, you just have to go through the permitting process. It takes a little time to fill out permit and go through the process. You could contact Roger Clay a wildlife biologist with the state of Alabama and talk to him or I can give you contact info for my friend who went through the process and owns one. I can get contact info for Roger also if you'd like just let me know and I'll get the info.

Thanks! That's good news! I actually know Roger fairly well since I am a falconer and he handles all the AL falconry paperwork. I almost contacted him about this before but didn't want to bother him if it wasn't his jurisdiction. I'll see what he has to say.
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"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."

>>I know for a fact you can legally have an eastern indigo in Alabama, you just have to go through the permitting process. It takes a little time to fill out permit and go through the process. You could contact Roger Clay a wildlife biologist with the state of Alabama and talk to him or I can give you contact info for my friend who went through the process and owns one. I can get contact info for Roger also if you'd like just let me know and I'll get the info.

Also, yes, contact info for your friend would be great too. Some first hand knowledge would be a help.
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"Between the wish and the thing the world lies waiting."