society and community | March 19, 2026

Is it legal to own venomous snakes?

Is it legal to own venomous snakes?

Can I legally keep native rattlesnakes in captivity in California? Yes – Except for one protected species – the Red Diamond Rattlesnake. (According to the Restricted Species Laws and Regulations regarding Crotalidae-Pitvipers, all non-native species are prohibited, but nothing is said about native Crotalidae.

What animals are illegal to own in Virginia?

Virginia. Summary of Law: No person may possess nonnative exotic animals that are classed as predatory or undesirable as a “pet.” Nonnative exotic animals include, but are not limited to: bears, wolves, coyotes, weasels, badgers, hyenas, all species of non-domesticated cats, alligators, and crocodiles.

Are snakes legal in Virginia?

Snakes are considered a non-game species, under Virginia law, thus a protected animal. Basically what this means is that, for example, if a snake crawls into a chicken coop or into someone’s house, the individual is allowed to take some action to protect livestock or family.”

How many snakes can you own in Virginia?

You may keep up to 5 individuals of any species of reptile or amphibian for personal use, except: No threatened or endangered species, and.

Do you need a license to own a ball python?

In New South Wales, native reptiles are protected by law. If you want to purchase a reptile, it needs to be bought from a licensed dealer or broker. Licensing helps protect our species and keeps owners and their animals safe.

How much does a Gaboon viper cost?

If you’d as soon not steal one, you can buy a farm-bred baby Gaboon viper for only $100. They require little maintenance and can live to be 20 years old.

Can you own a fox in VA?

To put it simply: yes, foxes are legal in Virginia. Note: Excluding the natural red coloration, all colors of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) are recognized as domestic animals. Red colored red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) may only be owned for fur farming purposes.

Are ball pythons legal in Virginia?

Re: Are bal pythons illegal in Virginia? At the state level ball pythons are legal. Some Virginia cities have their own ordinances regarding exotic animals, Arlington in particular is currently looking at changing theirs to ban all snakes longer than four feet.

Can I have a TEGU in Virginia?

Summary of Law: No person may possess as a “pet” a wild bird, mammal, fish, reptile or amphibian unless the animal was owned prior to June 30, 1995. Summary of Law: No person may keep exotic wildlife without first receiving a permit from the wildlife commission. Love my Panther Chameleon & Tegu!

Are Axolotls legal in Virginia?

Axolotls are illegal to own in some states, including California, Maine, New Jersey, and Virginia. In New Mexico, they are legal to own but illegal to import from other states. Check your local exotic pet laws to verify that you may keep one.

Are water moccasins in Virginia?

The northern cottonmouth, or “water moccasin:” A thick-bodied, venomous bruiser, the cottonmouth hangs out in the swamps and streams of far southern and southeastern Virginia. An isolated population lives near the confluence of the James and Appomattox rivers in the Hopewell area.