Visitor FAQs: Venomous Snakes as pets?

One thing I love about my profession as an interpretive naturalist is that I never stop learning new things.  And it's often the visitors of the nature center where I work that ask the most interesting questions.  Below is my answer to a question a recent visitor asked. 

 Question:  What regulations are in place for keeping venomous snakes as pets?

 This is a difficult question to answer because there are no clearly listed laws forbidding the possession of venomous snakes.  Different states, counties, and municipalities have their own laws and regulations regarding the ownership of hazardous animals as pets.  For example, the city of Aurora, Illinois includes bylaws that forbid the possession of any reptiles that could cause injury to a person (2015).  Also, the possession of endangered species, as specified in the federal Endangered Species Act, forbids the possession or sale of any endangered animal without an interstate commerce permit or some other authorized permit (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2015).  

 There may be other regulations in place regarding the possession of venomous snakes and other hazardous reptiles, but it would be better to consult a knowledgeable lawyer with expertise on animal control legislation since no clear-cut rules are in place across the country.  Alternatively, checking with local governing bodies such as municipal or country authorities might reveal more helpful information.  
References

 City of Aurora Animal Ordinances. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2015, from https://www.aurora-il.org/animalcontrol/ordinances.php
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Permits, Frequently Asked Questions.  (2015, June 24). Retrieved July 22, 2015, from http://www.fws.gov/endangered/permits/faq.html


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