Is Gaboon and Rhinoceros Vipers legal to own in the State of California?

Question

Are Gaboon and Rhinoceros Vipers legal to own in the State of California or is it only native species in which are allowed because I was wondering when I get into hots some day i'm going to grab these species considering that they are one of my favorites and add them to my collection that is going to be filled with Milksnakes, Kingsnakes, Garter Snakes, Boa Constrictors, Emerald Tree Boas, Green Tree Pythons, Green/Red Iguanas and Monitor Lizards and add about these two venomous (hots) in my collection but if they are illegal in my state then f that i'm going to get them anyway and why are rattlesnakes legal in this state? explain?

Answer 1

Although I agree that you should wait until you are more experienced to own these snakes, I want to point out that "Catcom1" is lieing to you repeatedly in his/her answer. First, I have never heard of a federal permit which allows you to capture reptiles. I have been in the reptile industry for a while and all permits are issued on the state level. I have a permit issued by the state of Texas which allows me to collect for scientific purposes. I have no clue what he/she is trying to say by saying that rattlesnakes are a nuisance animal. This is complete nonsense. Native venomous snakes such as rattlers do not require a permit in California, while non native venomous snakes such as gaboons and rhino vipers are legal with a permit. He/she even admits to not knowing the laws in California yet tries to scare you by saying that you are facing a $25,000 fine and 5 years in jail for owning a venomous snake without a permit. More nonsense. Usually, they just take the snakes from you and give you a few hundred dollar fine. No jail time unless you are selling them illegally on a large scale. And "USGS" stands for United States Geographical Survey, which deals with maps, not animals. Perhaps he/she meant U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, but they do not closely monitor venomous snake sales because the dealers who would ship them to you are not required to notify them, so how would they be watching you? Nor have I heard of them offering rewards for turning people in. And why would they care anyway since venomous snakes are not prohibited on a federal level? I know several people who legally breed, sell and ship venomous snakes across the country and can assure you that "Catcom1" is just trying to scare you by telling lies. "Catcom1" has also given bad answers such as saying that all cold blooded animals need UVB light. snakes and insects do not need UVB and he/she believes the myth that mealworms can eat out of an animal's stomach. He/she also spends a lot of time in the "Paranormal Phenomena" category of Yahoo answers answering questions about ghosts, proving he/she has a few screws loose, if you know what I mean. If you want to get these snakes, wait at least a few more years and do plenty of research on them, and don't believe everything someone on Yahoo answers tells you!

Answer 2

I possess a current federal license for handling, capturing, and photographing reptiles and amphibians. This includes handling wild turtles, tortoises and the like. In the State of California, as well as MOST states it is illegal to possess native and non-native reptiles without a license. Some states, such as Florida have limits. For example after 5 reptiles or amphibians in Florida, you would need a permit. Here's why. You get your poisonous reptile. After about a year, he still strikes at the cage and you are tired of keeping him, so what do you do? The EASIEST and most dangerous is let him go into the wild. On a trip with biologists in Georgia, we counted and collected 7 poisonous snakes not native to the US. This is a CRIME of epidemic proportions. That boring you to death, here are your answers: I do not know the current legislation in California for rattlesnakes. The only thing that I can think of is that they must be classed as a nuisance and are on the hunting list, therefore they are not protected by laws. Poisonous snakes are. You must have a permit. You say you are going to get them anyway. Here is what you risk without a permit. The State of California offers cash rewards to people for turning you in. The Federal Government USGS monitors sales of poisonous snakes across state lines. You WILL be caught. You can be fined up to $25,000 for each violation and/or 5 years in prison. The state will pursue charges also. Be safe, protect yourself. Call the California Game and Fish Commission to find out for sure. Get a name and copy of the laws.

Answer 3

Albino Gaboon Viper

Answer 4

People like you are what give the hobby such a bad name, you know NOTHING about the animals you want but don't care. I hope they throw you in jail you deserve it.



Your previous questions show that you're BARELY a teenager (13) and haven't owned a single snake in your life yet. You said you were going to get all of those you listed and when we told you they weren't for beginners you said we were wrong because you knew better than aaaaaaall of us. We also told you those animals weren't for handling and you said we were wrong because you "knew someone" who handles theirs all the time and it's 'nice as a puppy' and 'they kiss it'.



Your type isn't fit to own animals kid. Period.

Animals are a responsibility and you need to do RESEARCH and own them properly. You can't just rush ahead through everything because you "just want". Also it's clear from the way you speak that you're only interested in them by how they look, not them themselves or because you can provide the proper care. If you actually got one of the animals you wanted, you'd be sorely disappointed with the reality. They'd suffer and die on you. Hopefully not before getting in a few good strikes though.

Answer 5

I wish! I want to own a Rhino viper so bad! I have a friend who deals with venomous (illegally) but i still wouldnt take the chance...