| SNAKES |
| 1. |
What species of snakes are native or indigenous to PA? |
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There are 21 species of snakes native to Pennsylvania.
| Venomous |
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Non Venomous |
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- Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
- Northern Copperhead
- Timber Rattlesnake
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- Black Racer
- Black Rat Snake
- Eastern Garter
- Eastern Hognose Snake
- Eastern King Snake
- Eastern Milk Snake
- Eastern Ribbon Snake
- Eastern Worm Snake
- Kirtland's Snake
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- Northern Brown Snake
- Northern Ring-Neck Snake
- Northern Water Snake
- Queen Snake
- Red-bellied Snake
- Rough Green Snake
- Short-head Garter
- Smooth Earth Snake
- Smooth Green Snake
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| 2. |
Are water moccasins found in PA? |
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Water moccasins or cottonmouths are not native to PA. They are found primarily in the southern states.
Their range only goes as far north as southern Virginia. There are only three venomous snakes native to PA; the northern
copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
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| 3. |
Do you need a permit to possess a timber rattlesnake or to keep one as a pet? |
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It is legal to possess a live timber rattlesnake in Pennsylvania under certain circumstances. The person in possession of the snake would have to obtain a Venomous Snake Permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission prior to obtaining the snake. The snake would then have to be legally collected from the wild in Pennsylvania during the open season and in compliance with size and possession limits. The possession limit for timber rattlesnakes is one. This is the only way to legally acquire a timber rattlesnake in Pennsylvania.
A timber rattlesnake obtained from the wild in Pennsylvania without a permit would be illegal to possess. Timber rattlesnakes may not be imported into Pennsylvania from other states or countries. It is illegal to breed timber rattlesnakes (or most other native reptiles and amphibians) in captivity in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission does not recommend keeping venomous reptiles as pets. Back to top |
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| 4. |
I heard that black rat snakes and copperheads are breeding and their offspring
resemble the black rat snake but are as venomous as the copperhead. Is that true? |
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No, that’s false. It is impossible for the black rat snake and copperhead to successfully breed.
These two species of snakes have two different reproductive strategies. The copperhead give birth to live young encased
in a sac while the black rat snake lays eggs which then incubate for two to three months. These two distinctively
contrasting methods of reproduction make it impossible for these to species to breed.
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| 5. |
I would like to purchase/sell/possess a venomous exotic snake. Do I need a permit
to possess such an animal? |
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PA Fish and Boat Commission regulations only pertain to native species of PA. In other words, our
regulations do not cover any species not found in PA. Therefore, you would not need a permit from
our agency. However, you may want to contact you local municipal government to see if they have any ordinances in
effect that regulate the possession of “dangerous animals”
or exotic pets. Due to some recent high-profile cases in the news of non-native snake bites and snakes
getting loose in neighborhoods additional municipalities are adding such laws.
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| 6. |
What venomous species of snakes are found in PA? |
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There are three venomous species native to PA - Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
and the Northern Copperhead. All three are pit vipers. Pit vipers have distinctive characteristics, which can separate
them visually from the native nonvenomous species of snakes in PA. A complete list of PA snakes is listed in question
1.
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| 7. |
How do I tell the difference between a venomous snake and a harmless one? |
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There are two main features on a venomous snake’s head, which can distinguish it from a nonvenomous
snake. Keep in mind this only pertains to snakes native to PA. All three venomous snakes native to PA are pit vipers.
Two facial characteristics common to all pit vipers are vertically elliptical (like a cat’s eyes in bright
light) pupils and facial pits (indentations on the “cheeks” which aid in heat detection and locating
prey). Facial pits are not found on nonvenomous snakes native to the commonwealth.
In addition, rattlesnakes have rattles or the remnants of rattles beginning at the base of the tail. The northern
copperhead has a single row of scales on the underside of the tail between the anal opening and the tip of the tail.
Our nonvenomous snakes have two rows of scales under the tail.
Our “Snakes in PA” page contains illustrations that show the differences....go to Snakes of PA.
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| 8. |
Can you determine the age of a rattlesnake by counting the rattles? |
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No. A rattlesnake develops a new rattle on its tail every time the snake sheds its skin. A healthy
snake can shed its skin 2-3 or more times per year, each time adding a rattle to its tail. There is no visual method
used to determine the age of a rattlesnake.
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| 9. |
I saw a small black snake with an orange/yellow ring around the base of its head.
What species of snake is it? |
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The snake you encountered is a northern ringneck snake (Diadophis
punctatus). This nonvenomous snake
can be found throughout Pennsylvania. Measuring 10-24 inches in length, the northern ringneck can be gray to black
in color with a yellow or orange ring around its neck. The belly color will match that of the neck. This snake can
be found resting under logs, stones and other debris. Ringneck snakes are one of the most common snakes to get into
homes and basements. They are nonvenomous and harmless.
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| 10. |
I have seen snakes in my yard. I heard placing ammonia or mothballs around the
house/yard will keep the snakes away. Is this true? |
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Ammonia and mothballs are not an effective snake repellent. In fact, we know of no truly effective
snake repellent that can be used safely without danger to humans and/or pets. If you would like tips on how to deter
snakes from your home or yard read our “Snakes in Basements and Buildings” online article....go
to the article.
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| 11. |
Are there puff adders in PA and are they venomous? |
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When using the term “puff adder”, most herpetologists are referring to an
African species. Some people, however, refer to the eastern hognose snake as a puff adder. The eastern
hognose is a nonvenomous snake, which is easily identified by its upturned snout. It ranges from Somerset County
in the southwest to Wayne County in the northeast with populations also found in the Lake Erie drainage. Its diet
is primarily frogs and toads, but will also eat salamanders.
When threatened the hognose (although it is harmless) will flare its neck, inflate its body with air, hiss and
may strike out toward the intruder. If this behavior fails to scare off the threat, it will "play dead," rolling
over on its back remaining very still. If you would flip it on its belly, the hognose may roll over onto its back
again, forgetting that it's "dead."
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| 12. |
I found some white oblong eggs around one to two inches in length in some mulch
around the house. What will hatch from them and when? |
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The eggs are probably those of a black rat snake, northern black racer or maybe an eastern milk snake.
These species lay their eggs in mulch, sawdust piles or decaying vegetation where the decaying activity provides
sufficient heat to incubate the eggs. Eggs may be laid during June or July and will hatch in six to eight weeks.
Once these eggs are laid, they should not be moved. Moving the eggs from their original orientation will affect
their ability to hatch. Also, it is illegal to purposely damage or disrupt the nest or eggs of a reptile in PA.
(Link to herp regs). The intent of the regulation is to aid in the reproductive success of PA’s native reptiles.
These species are nonvenomous and are important rodent predators.
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| 13. |
Do baby/juvenile rattlesnakes have venom when they are first born? |
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Yes. A neonate (newborn) rattlesnake possesses enough venom to subdue its prey and obtain its first
meal.
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| 14. |
How do I keep snakes away from my home and yard? |
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For tips on how to deter snakes from your home and/or yard please read our “Snakes
in Basements and Buildings” online article....go to the article.
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| 15. |
Where can I find pictures of snakes native to PA? |
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We have some photos of PA snakes at our....go
to the photos.
Other websites have more photos, we list a few at the bottom of our Amphibians & Reptiles page....go
to the page.
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| 16. |
I found a dead timber rattlesnake lying on the road. Can I keep it? |
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A permit is required to hunt or possess a timber rattlesnake. The season for timber rattlesnakes
runs from the second Saturday in June to July 31st. It is unlawful to possess a timber rattlesnake without a permit
and a permit must be obtained prior to possessing a timber rattlesnake. Timber rattlesnakes found dead on the road
during the closed season may not be retained and a permit will not be issued for their possession.
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| 17. |
I killed a timber rattlesnake on the porch of my camp. Can I get it mounted? |
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PA Fish and Boat Commission regulations provide that a person may kill a venomous snake in defense
of life and limb. This can be done regardless of the season. However, by law a person must report to the Commission
in writing within 5 days, that such a killing occurred. Persons killing a venomous snake in defense of life and limb
are not permitted to retain the snake. So, you would not be able to keep the snake and get it mounted.
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| VENOMOUS SNAKE PERMITS |
| 1. |
What are the new (2007) size restrictions on hunting timber rattlesnakes? |
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The timber rattlesnake must be at least 42 inches in length, measured lengthwise along
the dorsal surface from the snout to the tail, excluding the rattle, and must possess 21 or more subcaudal scales.
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| 2. |
What are the possession limits and seasons to hunt timber rattlesnakes and northern
copperheads? |
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The season to hunt both the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead is from the
second Saturday in June to July 31.
The northern copperhead has an annual limit of 1. The timber rattlesnake
has an annual limit of 1 but the snake must be at least 42 inches in length, measured lengthwise
along the dorsal surface from the snout to tail, excluding the rattle, and must possess 21 or more subcaudal scales.
Subcaudal scales are large flat scales that are located on the rear ventral portion (underside) of a timber rattlesnake
between the vent (anal scale) and the base of the rattle. Males have 21 or more subcaudal scales, females have less
than 21 subcaudal scales.
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| 3. |
Is there a size restriction on hunting northern copperheads? |
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No, at this time, there is no size restriction on northern copperheads.
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| 4. |
I heard that you couldn’t hunt timber rattlesnakes on the South Mountain
located in southcentral Pennsylvania, is this true? |
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It is unlawful for a person to hunt, take, catch, or kill timber rattlesnakes west of
Route 15 and south of Interstate 81 to the Maryland line where there is no open season. Thus, hunting timber rattlesnakes
is prohibited on the South Mountain.
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| 5. |
When are the report forms due for hunting timber rattlesnakes and copperheads? |
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Within 10 business days following the capture or kill of a timber rattlesnake and/or
a copperhead. If no snake is captured or killed, then 10 days of the conclusion of the season (August
10 of the permit year).
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| 6. |
When do I have to fill out a possession tag for a timber rattlesnake? |
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Once you take, catch, kill or possess a timber rattlesnake, you must immediately complete
the possession tag that is attached to your permit and detach the tag from the permit in the field.
The
possession tag must be kept in a safe location so that it can be presented along with the timber
rattlesnake to which it pertains upon the request of an officer authorized to enforce the code.
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| 7. |
Is there a possession tag for northern copperheads? |
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No. While a venomous snake permit is needed to collect a copperhead, a possession
tag is only for timber rattlesnakes.
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| 8. |
How much does a venomous snake permit cost? |
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The fee for a venomous snake permit is $50 for non-residents and $25 for residents.
The permit allows one to take, capture, or kill a timber rattlesnake and a northern copperhead. It does not apply
to the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, which is listed as a state endangered species.
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| 9. |
How do I obtain an application for the venomous snake permit? |
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You can obtain a permit application online....go
to the form.
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| 10. |
Can I kill a timber rattlesnake or any snake with a firearm? |
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No, it is now unlawful to take, catch, or kill a reptile or amphibian through the use
of a firearm.
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| TURTLES |
| 1. |
I bought a turtle from a pet store. I want to let the turtle go into a pond. Is
that legal? |
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Except for common snapping turtles, it is unlawful to take any reptile or amphibian from the wild
in PA for sale, trade or barter. Therefore, all legally sold pet turtles cannot have been taken from the wild in
PA. Thus, releasing a turtle obtained form a pet store would mean that you were releasing a species or individual
that does not belong in the wilds of our Commonwealth. It is also illegal to release non-native species into the
wild in PA.
Non-native species, which have been released into PA and have become nuisances. They compete with native species
for habitat; food resources, nest sites, etc., often out-competing the native species. For example, red-eared slider
turtles are not native to PA. These turtles were widely purchased in pet stores throughout the state especially
during the 1960s and 1970s. Once the owners no longer desired these turtles as pets they released them into ponds,
wetlands or streams. Presently, red-eared sliders have established populations in southeastern PA and are competing
many of our native turtles for habitat and food, including the PA threatened red-bellied turtle.
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| 2. |
My child found a turtle and brought it home. Can we keep it? |
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As of Jan. 1, 2007, a possession permit is required to possess a live reptile or amphibian that
is in compliance with possession limits in effect up to Dec. 31, 2006, but not in compliance with possession limits
in effect on Jan. 1, 2007. This is required for continued possession for the remainder of the reptile or amphibian’s
life. This is a one-time permit and must be submitted no later than June 30, 2007.
See the Reptiles and Ampbibians section of the PA Summary Book for complete regulations...view
regulations.
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| 3. |
The local pet store is selling baby turtles. Isn’t that illegal? |
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There are federal regulations in effect that pertain to the sale of turtles with shell lengths of
less than four (4) inches. With some exceptions, turtles offered for sale are supposed to have shell length greater
than four inches. These regulations were created a number of years ago to address concerns that small children, who
may acquire these turtles as pets might put them into their mouths and contract Salmonellosis. Salmonella bacteria
can sometimes be found on turtles that have been kept in captivity. The US Food and Drug Administration and the US
Fish and Wildlife Service can enforce these federal regulations. The Fish and Boat Commission does not have authority
to enforce these regulations.
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| 4. |
There’s a very large turtle in the mulch of my flower garden.
What is it doing and how do I make it leave? |
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During May and June, snapping turtles leave the lakes, rivers and wetlands and go onto land in search
of suitable locations to lay their eggs. Railroad grades, roadsides, sand traps at golf courses, and mulched flower
beds are all places where nesting may occur. Successful sites will be in full or almost-full sunlight and the soil
media is usually dark to absorb the heat needed for proper incubation. Female snapping turtles often move on rainy
nights and may still be found nesting during the early morning hours. When they are finished with egg laying, they
will leave to return to the water. Thus, if a turtle is encountered in the garden it will no doubt leave on its own
within a few hours. If left alone, they will finish egg-laying more quickly than if bothered. It is not advisable
to attempt to remove such a turtle as they may become agitated if they are interrupted or threatened.
After the eggs are laid, the female does not return to the nest. Many nests (3 out of 4) are preyed upon by foxes,
raccoons, and skunks soon after the eggs are laid. Incubation takes between 60 and 90 days depending on the air
and soil temperatures. The hatchlings typically emerge from the nest between mid-August and mid-September and head
towards water. Under Fish and Boat Commission regulations, it is unlawful to disturb the nest or eggs of a reptile.
Moving eggs after they have been deposited in the nest can prevent the eggs from hatching.
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| 5. |
I found a turtle crossing the road, should I take it to a pet shop or nature center? |
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No. If you see a turtle crossing a road and want to help it, check carefully to make sure it is safe
for you to enter the roadway, and then move the turtle across the road in the direction it was traveling. Putting
a turtle on the side of the road it was coming from will only cause it to re-enter the roadway. They have strong
homing instincts and it will no doubt continue its efforts to cross the road. Turtles seen on roads should not be
picked up to take to a nature center or pet shop. Turtles taken from their native habitat often cannot be released
to the wild because their exact origins of capture are usually not conveyed to persons at the receiving end. For
a number of reasons both ecological and legal, these turtles may then become destined for a life in captivity. Thus,
if you want to help a turtle cross the road, do so but don’t take him/her from the site.
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| 6. |
What are turtle hooks? |
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Turtle hooks are the only hooks a person is allowed to use to take, catch, or kill
a turtle with. These turtle hooks must be at least 3.5 inches in total length with at least a 1-inch space between
the point and shank.
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| 7. |
What turtles can I collect from the wild? |
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You are allowed to possess one of each native species not listed as threatened/endangered
or as a species of concern.
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| 8. |
What turtles am I not allowed to collect from the wild? |
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The following turtles are protected (no take, catch or kill) in Pennsylvania:
- Bog
turtle (endangered)
- Red-bellied turtle (threatened)
- Blanding’s turtle (candidate, species of concern)
- Spotted
turtle (species of concern)
- Wood turtle (species of concern)
- Eastern box turtle (species of
concern)
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| 9. |
I want to collect a snapping turtle for a pet/dinner, do I need a snapping turtle
permit? |
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You do not need a snapping turtle permit if you are collecting a snapping turtle for
your own personal use. As long as you have a valid PA fishing license, an individual can collect 15 daily and have
a total of 30 in their possession.
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| 10. |
Who needs a snapping turtle permit? |
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Anyone wishing to sell, barter, or trade snapping turtles or their parts needs to have
a snapping turtle permit. These permits are $50 for residents per year and $100 for non-residents per year. This
permit must be possessed at all times while hunting for turtles. You can obtain a permit application online....go
to the form.
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| 11. |
Can I release my pet turtle into the wild? |
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It is illegal to place into the wild any species that are not native to Pennsylvania.
It is also illegal to release any native species of turtles taken from Pennsylvania unless:
- The turtle is released at the point of capture.
- The turtle is released within 30 days of
capture.
- The turtle is released between May 1 and September 31.
- The turtle is in good
health.
- The turtle was not in contact with other reptiles or amphibians while in captivity.
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| SALE or PURCHASE of REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS |
| 1. |
Is it legal to buy/sell/own an alligator, cayman or crocodile in PA? |
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The PA Fish and Boat Commission’s regulations do not regulate possession of non-native species
of reptiles and amphibians. So long as these animals are not released into the wild, there are no state regulations
regarding their ownership. Likewise, there is no state permit required to possess these animals. However, there may
be local municipal ordinances, which regulate the ownership of “dangerous animals” and you should check
with your local government before purchasing such an animal.
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| 2. |
I want to propagate bullfrogs. Where do I purchase a permit? |
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The Department of Agriculture is responsible for issuing permits for fish propagation, which
in this case also includes bullfrogs and green frogs. You can reach the Department of Agriculture at (717) 772-2852,
their website is www.pda.state.pa.us.
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| 3. |
I want to sell reptiles and amphibians. Do I need permit from the Fish and Boat
Commission? |
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Our regulations require that with the exception of common snapping turtles, no reptile
or amphibian may be taken from the wild in PA for sale, trade or barter. To sell a snapping turtle, you would need
to have a commercial snapping turtle permit (link to permit) Also, it is unlawful to possess, import or export species
listed as endangered or threatened by the Fish and Boat Commission.
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| 4. |
I want to catch timber rattlesnakes and copperheads and milk them so I can sell
their venom. What permits do I need? |
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It is unlawful to offer for sale, trade or barter reptiles and amphibians (except snapping
turtles) taken from the wild in PA. This includes the animals alive or dead, whole or in parts including
eggs or any lifestage. Venom is a “part.” Thus, it is unlawful to milk our native snakes and sell the
venom.
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| 5. |
I caught a male and female hognose snake and they mated in captivity. Can I sell
the offspring? |
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No. See also question number 3. The purpose of our regulations regarding the sale
of reptiles and amphibians is to minimize exploitation of wild populations by eliminating a profit motive. Catching
gravid females and/or captive breeding of wild caught specimens to produced young for sale goes against our philosophy
of not permitting the commercial use of these species.
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