Any ideas what this poor kinked snake is?

[Physician&Snakes]

OP, I highly suggest getting that animal away from that owner and finding an interested breeder in CA, the last thing we need is someone to find that burm in a shipping box across the border, in the hands of a child, or in a backyard.

[anneplath]

It is frustrating. I still for the life of me can't figure out how a person can own an animal and not know what it is. You are correct you don't need a permit in CA for any giant constrictors that I am aware of, that being said I have never seen any of the giant guys for sale in chain pet stores, I do come across them in actual reptile shops, but they are very clearly labeled. This is just sad.

Clearly labeled, yes... but you can't help consumer ignorance. Giant constrictor babies tend to go for sadly cheap, as well, at least in my experience. I've been to a few reptile stores that use very good sales techniques to sell them to the reptile uneducated. I got legit banned from a (terrible) mom and pop reptile store because I informed a customer than they couldn't keep that adorable baby burm small and adorable by not feeding it regularly. I'm quite surprised to see the 'they grow with the cage' mentallity is still going on in this day and age.

[Archimedes]

The kinking doesn't look that terrible to be either, as long as it can eat, move, and poo it'll probably be a fine pet, although not a breeder. While often caused by incubation, kinks have the opportunity to be genetic. Very pretty snake, and as long as it can eat and digest, would probably make a nice pet, depending on temperament.

[Darkbird]

Heck, seen that attitude at reptile shows before. Tell the customer anything they want to hear to make the sale. Too many out there that only care about moving product. Then when they get legislated right out of business, they'll scratch their heads and wonder why.

[jclaiborne]

OP, I highly suggest getting that animal away from that owner and finding an interested breeder in CA, the last thing we need is someone to find that burm in a shipping box across the border, in the hands of a child, or in a backyard.

X2...find out if it truely is a kink and how bad it is...there are reptile shops down in SD that would take the reptile in as well. If you are not up to contacting the seller I will give it a shot and see if he will "surrender" it might be a long shot but worth a try. I leave the country in a week so I can't be of any help after that.

[anneplath]

Heck, seen that attitude at reptile shows before. Tell the customer anything they want to hear to make the sale. Too many out there that only care about moving product. Then when they get legislated right out of business, they'll scratch their heads and wonder why.

Also true. I'm planning on getting into herp retail but some of the people I've encountered make me a little sick. They seem to forget that they're dealing with living things instead of a new shiny gadget to foist on the unsuspecting public. I only hope that, much like puppy mills are now, they get shut down for the betterment of the entire hobby.

[jclaiborne]

tried contacting the guy, but got no response so far.

[Bluebonnet Herp]

OP, I highly suggest getting that animal away from that owner and finding an interested breeder in CA, the last thing we need is someone to find that burm in a shipping box across the border, in the hands of a child, or in a backyard.

I don't see why anyone has to buy it. If this fool's arrested, by all means he deserves it. We don't buy from petco or bad breeders, why buy from stupid craigslist sellers? He doesn't deserve anybody's money.
The only exception is if you can rescue it for free or dirt cheap. ($10) If not, spam his/her email for being an idiot.