Venomous snakes are illegal to keep in Massachusetts

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfwpets.htm

Snakes:
Regulations regarding the possession of snakes are quite detailed and should be consulted (321 CMR 9.01) for specifics. Some generalities are listed as follows.

Lawful(no MassWildlife permit required):

1. All species of boas and pythons, regardless of size, except rare species, and those listed as Unlawful
2. Shield-tailed Snakes and Sunbeam Snakes;
3. Worm Snakes (except rare species), Thread Snakes, and related species;
4. Several so-called "harmless" snakes, including Brown and Redbellied Snakes, Garter and Ribbon Snakes, Glossy Snakes, Green Snakes, House Snakes, Kingsnakes and Milksnakes, Rat Snakes (except rare species), Water Snakes, the Western Hognosed Snake and certain others.

Unlawful: Emerald Tree Boa, Green Tree Python, African Rock Python, Reticulated Python, and all Anacondas; Black Rat Snake; other rare species, any other snake not specified as lawful. Possession of ALL venomous ("poisonous") snakes is prohibited.