black rat snakes

I really want to get my hands on a pair of breeding black rat snakes to repopulate the woods near my house (in the 11 years since we've been here, we've only seen 1, yet we've seen loads of garters, ringneck, northern brown, and even 6-7 copperheads). I've searched the net, but am admittedly not so good at researching.

Anyone know anything about where I could get them (I live in the Washington, DC area) and how they fare as pets?

And yes, as a new snake owner (we have 2 ball pythons), I am just getting addicted to these things!

before you attempt this better check the laws first. Im sure you need special permits and so on to breed/release them in the wild.

Also be sure to make sure if thier on the endangered list that you dont get them with out knowing as itll be a fine if caught with them.

They're not even close to being endangered. I just love these snakes because they're large, beautiful, and eat a slew of pests- including squirrels and rats, which I don't think any other snake in my region is capable of doing. I want my woods to be teeming with them, is all.