Catching and keeping a wild native snake?

[Ratikal]

I live in Michigan...
Does anyone know if it is legal to catch and keep a non-endangered non-venomous species of snake?

[Albert Clark]

Usually there are laws on the books to protect native species from capture. As well they are there to protect endangered or dwindling populations of certain species. Michigan? I am not sure of specifically which species are or are not on the list. Unless you are and can prove to the local wildlife protection agencies that your going to have the individual native species and or protected species in a educational/ science program most are disallowed. Wild caught reptiles are mostly problematic anyways with health issues and behavioral compexities. Better off with a nice captive bred IMO. Born free, live free.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Check with your Parks & Wildlife. Here in Texas you need permits and a hunting license.

[Ratikal]

Very true...I have no plans on keeping a "wild caught" snake. It just crossed my mind. The past few years I have had to relocate several small Eastern Hognose i have found laying across bike paths and paved walking areas in acertain location of a local park. I have seen as many as 30 or so of these hatchlings at one time in a 1/2 acre area. I don't "relocate" them far, just away from danger so they don't get trampled or ran over. People seem to think these are dangerous since they flatten out and hiss like a Cobra or other more dangerous species.
I'll stick to good conservation and leave nature intact by just continuing to move the lil ones out of harms way. They are some cute lil hoggies and some were actually quite friendly. Thanks for the replies and maybe after I build my snake rack, I'll look unto aquiring a captive bred Hognose, after I do some care sheet research and set up an adequate enclosure...

[Calider]

A lot of people do it, but it depends on the species. I emailed my DNR and they told me everything that I needed to know. In some states, you can freely catch things and even sell them. In other states, you can't even pick them up. Here, you need a license for certain species, but if you have that license, you have fairly free rein.

[Reinz]

I'm with Albert, Born wild, Live wild. I don't judge anyone that keeps Wild animals though.

I've rescued countless turtles from road traffic over the years. Most of it traveling rural roads as a salesman for 20 years. If it wasn't a water turtle I usually brought them home and turned them loose in the back yard. The kids and dogs really enjoyed them.

[Ratikal]

I'm definitely leaving the wild, in the wild lol
They are adorable but I'll look into proper care and cage setup first, breeder 2nd...I seen someone post a pic on a previous thread "munching an egg white" and it made me smile. Just thought it'd be neat to "rescue" one...however, thats selfish on my part and generally not in the animals best interest. Thank you again