Would it be legal to rescue herps...?

Question

I'm getting real sick of people killing snakes aroud here. Innocent garter snakes and gopher snakes who accidently get too close to houses for people to feel safe. I give people information all the time, because after all fear is the reason they are killing them, and the fear that is there is because of lack of information. Could I put my number in the phone book or something as Snake Rescue? I don't have any permits or business license or anything, but I have been studying and working with herps for a while, and have experience working with snakes. I don't want to make any money, I just want to simply save the snakes and other reptiles from being killed, I just want to catch them, then release them out in the sticks.

Thanks guys, you haven't let me down yet!

Answer 1

You want to be on the right side of the law on this. Contact your local DNR or Fish and Wildlife Commission or whatever you have and see what you need.

We don't "Keep" venomous snakes, but we do have a permit, just because you're required in the state of Florida to have a permit to house venomous reptiles, even if it's just for 24 - 48 hours or so. You may need a permit for collection of wild reptiles, etc. as well.

True, there have been times when... oh, technicalities, technicalities... Just be careful and use good judgement.

Also don't forget to invest in a good snake hook and pair of tongs... and buckets for transport... I hate seeing snakes being transported in pillowcases... remember, gravity works, and people don't always watch where they're stepping... also, anything venomous can't bite through a bucket....

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I am a board member of the Jacksonville Herp Society here in Florida, and we have run a Reptile Rescue for years.It took us a while to get off the ground but we have been told we run one of the most successful rescue operations in the country. We maintain a beeper number and we did a lot of networking with the police, animal control, the humane society and 911 operators. We keep a log of calls, responses and results. We recently introduced a form for people to sign releasing us from responsibility when we take unwanted pets. All of our wildlife is quarantined for 90 days, gets vet care if they need it (Dr. John Rossi donates his time and supplies), and released back out in to the wild. Exotics are placed by adoption with members of the society ONLY. We are adamant that no animal winds up back in a pet store.Oh, you should also contact local TV stations, as people call there often as well when they spot "dangerous" wildlife. Look into any license your state requires, every thing has to be done above board, and print up a lot of business cards!
I applaud your desire to do something proactive and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!!! Happy herping!!!

Answer 4

Great idea, good for you! I have a friend who does this in my area and sometimes I do it for friends and family. I'm not licensed or anything, neither is he, but in many states it's illegal to keep wildlife--I know you won't be keeping these snakes as pets but simply relocating them, but I don't know how the law looks at that. If you're going to advertise your services you may need some kind of license; I would call your local Fish and Wildlife Department and ask them where you should go from here. Good luck, and thanks again for caring about wild snakes!

Answer 5

Well it would be great if every neighborhood had a snake guy around to come and get them out of their yards or wherevers! Unfortunately for snake lovers there are not too many of you around! I am scared to death of them! I had one under my bed once!!!!!!!! Oh I just cannot stand the thought of it!!!!!!!!!!! My cousin found it the next day and got it out but I don't know if he killed it or not. I had heard a few noises during the night but thought nothing of it and the next day he found it so I slept with a snake literally!!!

Good for you to be a friend to the snakes! I will stick with the puppies and kitties and snuggly animals! No cold blooded reptiles for me!

Answer 6

There is absolutely no problem in removing the snake for free and just transporting it somewhere else. If you start putting up ads, even as not-for-profit, then you may have to have somekind of wildlife business operating permit. Call your local Department of Natural Resources-they are usually the ones who deal with those problems so they'd know the legalities.

Answer 7

the other information is good up above but I would like to add something. to maybe get your name out to your neighborhood make up a flyer of some sort with your number on it maybe a cell since you would likely be able to be reached anytime. let them know you would be willing to trap and relocate nuisance pest such as snakes etc. free removal donations accepted but not required to help with gas cost etc. heck it could turn out to be a critter control business someday. and if you get enough donations you can get some type of formal training and move your way up to raccoons an opossums. good luck I think this is admirable

Answer 8

A wonderful and noble idea friend. By all means go for it.
All you need to do this legally is a fish and game license (around 60 bucks a year in most states).

Best of luck in your endeavor.

Answer 9

I have saved so many animals and i still do any aninimal i run into that need help and alot of time it is illegal who give a **** save an animal or reptial whatever it is. if u save it from dying thats all that matters! keep up the good work dont take **** from no one!

Answer 10

i know that in cali, you don't need anything like a permit to help animals. i doubt anybody would care about you trying to help snakes. btw, it's cool that you care about herps. i do too.