What does imported snake mean?

Question

I was looking at a snake for sale but is says he is an import ,what does this mean?He eats fine.

He is still a baby, 6-8 weeks.

Its a Green Tree Python.

Answer 1

Snakes that are imported or Wild Caught (WC) are just that, caught from the wild or shipped in from another country. If you think about it, it makes sense -- if you are looking at a Ball Python for instance, they aren't native to the United States so if someone wants to sell some, but didn't breed them (CBB--Captive born and bred) they would catch one from its own natural habitat. And that would be Africa (in the case of a ball python). It would then have to be shipped to the states (or where ever else it will be sold at) and that is why it is considered to be imported.

That said, snakes in the wild are different from captive born snakes. They are subjected to much harsher conditions and may have scars from their feeding attempts or other encounters with preditors. They most likely will have parasites, as there is no way for a snake to rid itself of the parasites in the wild. Mites are another possibility. Plus the fact that it was a WILD creature. You will have no true knowlege of its age (unless you are getting a baby and then its only a guess on its exact birthday). A snake that has been dealing with all that nature has thrown at it may balk at the idea of settling down and accepting handling, and other aspects of captive care. NOT ALL SNAKES WILL HAVE PROBLEMS ADJUSTING. But many will. Their lives have taught them not to trust larger creatures (like you) and they may be fearful and strikey. They may not take frozen thawed food.

It is always best to buy from a known respectable breeder because you will get some kind of guarentee of the animals health. Although a quarentine procedure should always be followed on any new acquisitions to prevent disease transmission to the rest of your animals. But purchasing from a breeder does have its downfalls too. One is price. An animal that has been harvested from the wild is going to be cheaper generally than one that is bred here. Because the import runs the risk of refusing food, disease, parasites, etc.

BUT and this is a big one, most morphs come from animals that are found in the wild that way. They are bred and then their offspring is sold as an albino, anery, piebald, etc. The genetic ooopsies that make the pretty morphs are generally found in nature first then bred in a facility later. So in this case, imported or WC snakes may be an affordable way to get a high end designer snake. Or to breed some pretty morphs. And the risk is outweighed by the benefits.

Answer 2

You have not mentioned the type of snake but I will assume that it is a Ball Python (but this will work for any tropical or non-native snake).

If you happen to live in Angola, Nigeria or Ghana.. The Ball Python would be a native snake for you.

Considering that you probably do not live in one of the places mentioned, then the snake would have been moved from the native country to where you are and that would require an EXPORT permit FROM (the native country) and an IMPORT permit INTO the country that it will be sold.

CAUTION !! Imported can also mean WILD CAUGHT in that FOREIGN country as well.

I would suggest that a trip to a reputable REPTILE VET be scheduled for PARASITE control and eradication in the near future. This is also a good idea even with CAPTIVE BORN or HATCHED reptiles periodically to remove any internal parasites that may have been introduced from any source.

I have always considered a twice yearly scheduled trip to the Vet like a "Life insurance policy" for my reptiles. Parasite control also means that you are feeding your reptile and not feeding the parasites that may be inside the reptile.

Answer 3

Hello, usually not the best way to have or get a snake, usually means they were captured in their native wild habitat & brought in ( to say American ) best to get & have captive bred reptiles, never know what you're gonna get with an import..many are even illegal species..so best to stick with known reptile dealers who deal in captive breds to know what is legal or illegal to own..Take Care :)

Answer 4

Well, it could have been captive-bred in another country but in the reptile trade the term "imported" is frequently synonymous with an animal being wild-caught.

Answer 5

This means your snake is not captive bred he is wild caught. This is not the ideal way to acquire a snake, as they tend to have many more health problems than captive bred snakes. they also tend to have ticks and mites and intestinal parasites. Also you have to consider the fact that this is taking snakes from the wild which is cruel, and harmful to the environment.

Answer 6

imported means he came from another country, outside the U.S. (if thats where you live)