can you keep wild king snakes as pets?

Answer 1

It depends on where you live and what kind of Kingsnake you found. Some species in some areas are protected and it is illegal to keep them as pets.

Also, wild snakes are usually difficult to feed and can quite often stay agressive when kept captive. It will most likely have either internal or external parasites that would need to be treated by a vet.

It would be much better to purchase a captive bred one that is healthy and feeding. You may have to spend up to $100, but will most likely save that on vet bills by getting a wild one healthy and eating.

Good luck!

Answer 2

King Snakes As Pets

Answer 3

wild king snakes? no. Wild snakes have a tendency to bite, because they've never seen people before. Even Snakes whos parents were wild still shouldnt be kept as pets. Captive bred snakes from the pet store can make great pets though. i do not have one. i have a boxer dog and a bearded dragon, and i might get a corn snake

Answer 4

Depends on the type. Wild will be more aggressive and will only be fun watching it eat. You won't be able to handle it until it bites you a few times. If it is young, it should get used to handling very quickly. If it doesn't eat within 1 week, suggest letting it go or take it to a pet store. Sometimes captured snakes won't eat and it will die on you. Also, you need to consider you will have to buy live food for it about every week for the duration you have it. I suggest you take it to the pet store. Usually they will give you store credit if the snake is in good condition.

Answer 5

Yes you can, however in most states it is illegal to keep your native wildlife as a pet, and most likely in your state.
Next, I know from experience that a wild snake will *NEVER THRIVE* in captivity. Please, if you want a snake for a pet go to a local pet store or reptile store if you have one near you. This is the BEST thing you can do for yourself and the animal.
Please also note that if you end up BUYING a captive born king snake, that king snakes MUST be kept in a cage by themselves. They can and most certainly will eat another snake or lizard of any kind.

Answer 6

a wild king snake could be kept in a cage but it wouldn't be a pet. unless it was caught young it would never be tame, always stressed, and could have disease. the wild snake most likely wouldn't eat and be malnourished. but there are a lot of pet stores who get wild caught snakes while they're young and raise them tame, but i don't think that would be a good idea either way. if you want a king snake, go to a pet store.

Answer 7

King snakes are master escape artists. I lost one last year, even though the cage was locked and sealed. So be careful if you are to take it everywhere with you. Kingsnakes make the most incredible pets. They are not high maintenance like boas and pythons, they are laid back and docile for the most part, and they can be trained to be very friendly. I'm getting a new one tomorrow. I only had the last one three months and I'll never forget him. Also, be sure to get a cage that is virtually escape proof. No part of the lid should wiggle or move, and it should be able to lock very tightly. You don't want your best friend escaping, as curious and adventurous as they are. Good luck with your new baby!

Answer 8

I've got over 30 of them that I personally caught & have had for years. They are all native to the state I live in(Pa.) & it is NOT illegal to do so in Pa. These snakes are no more aggressive than any of the ones I've purchased from breeders, are not threatened or endangered, eat just as well, if not better than any of the purchased snakes, and have one major advantage ,other than price. If these snakes won't eat, you can always return them to where they were captured with no harm done. You can't always return a purchased snake & it's a hell of a thing to watch a snake starve itself to death. Something I've never had happen with a wild capture. I've had some of these snakes for over 10yrs & have never had any health problems, other than mites/ticks, which is easily cured.

Answer 9

You can.... but you shouldn't. You should not keep ANY wild animal as a pet. Even large snakes that were born in captivity can be very dangerous and can strike out against there owners or pets at any time.

Answer 10

It's not the best idea to keep a wild caught animal. They can carry disease and parasites. They tend to also stay aggressive and in defense mode. I wouldn't suggest keeping it! You might get bit so be careful!