Northern California Venomous Questions

[jason_ladouceur]

Greetings


So, just have a few questions on Venomous keeping in general, and on California laws in this regard.

First of all, why do people want to keep venomous reptiles?? (I'm not saying this antagonistically; just want to know why you keep them)

Second, what are the usual husbandry differences that must be implemented??

Third, what are the laws in Cali for keeping local hots (Rattlers and stuff I might find field herping)

The reason I wonder is that I know of one person in Yuba City who keeps a rattler that he found somewhere, and I find it interesting that a PetSmart employee would take it upon himself to keep an animal like that.

I would like to find it in my future that I could keep some of the local hot species as an educational tool for local schools etc, but right now I know I'm not in the position to do so.

Figured it couldn't hurt to start getting some info on them early though...

Like any reptile people have there own independant reasons for wanting to keep hots so I obviously can't answer why people in general keep them. I can answer for myself however. I am drawn to hots for a number of reasons. Most are IMO among the most beautiful of all snakes. All that I have worked with have an attitude of confidence not typically found in their non venomous relatives that I find both fascinating and appealing. In all truth I keep different species of hots not because they are hot, but in spite of it. I would actually perfer if they were not capable of inflicting a bite that can kill. But since they are species I am fascinated by and that's how nature designed them I simply accept the potential danger they pose and take the nessasary precautions to keep them because I am drawn to them.

As far as differences in husbrandry are concerned, other than the tools and techniques required to handle them in a safe manner and the obvious need to ensure that they are being housed not only in secure cages but in a secure sealed room. They are just like keeping any other reptile. Each individual species has its own specific needs that you as a keeper must be aware of and make every effort to meet.

I don't live in California so I might be a little off on the laws in your state. Hopefully someone who does live there can correct me if I'm wrong or my understanding of your states laws is incomplete. I believe that you require a permit to keep any non-indigenous species of venomous reptile in California. But it is my understanding that anything such as crotalus viridis or other species that are native to your state are legal to keep. This of course is more than likely also regulated by municipal bylaw as well so you should definatly check your local laws to make sure that you are even allowed to keep hots in your area. It is also quite possible that you may require a permit to legally field collect any animal in your state so you should check with fish and wildlife to verify that as well.
Hope that helps a little.