Mangrove snake question

[Reptile Ryan]

Are they considered venomous? I realize they are rear fanged venomous, but would someone in Illinois be able to keep one? I know that western hognose snakes can be kept in Illinois with a permit since they are considered a native animal. They are rear fang venomous, so if you can keep a hog you should be able to keep a mangrove right? If anyone knows or can find some sort of law about the subject I would be most appreciative.

[The Snake Guru]

I don't know the exact laws and what is or is not able to be kept.

But I do know Mangrove snakes are considered Rear-fanged Venomous....by most people only considered a "warm" snake though. While they have the potential to deliver a medically significant bite, such cases are rare due to the poorly devoloped delivery system in which they have to "chew" the venom in to you...most people not allowing them do so (and rightly so..LOL).

So I guess depending on how litterly the laws are taken in your area I would "no" you aren't able to keep them...these are definitely a step above a Hognose snake. What little I know about Illinois laws there is one thing for certain...they seem to be a bit more strict down there than up here in the northland.

Matt would probably know better, but unfortunately you'd have to wait a bit before you can defininitive answer from him.

~B~

[Reptile Ryan]

Thanks Brad, that's kind of what I was thinking. Illinois is kind of funny when it comes to snake laws it seems. It's as though while writing up the laws they were vague enough in their wording to reserve the ability to deem any snake "dangerous". Better safe than sorry, no mangroves.

[lorenmps]

They probably won't kill you unless you're alergic or in poor health, but if you let one chew on you it can definately ruin your day... and possibly a few more. I used to have a pair a few years back and got tagged once on the wrist. My hand became swollen and throbbed for a few hours. The pain wasn't extreme, but it was definately uncomfortable. The swelling took about 5 days to completely go away

[The Snake Guru]

No problem Ryan.....

~B~

[mcem]

I personally won't really consider mangroves venomous...that being said, I know IL DNR can be a bit picky so I'd say stay away from them. Now if it really is something you have to have, let me know and I'll get the lowdown from those who truly know.

[Reptile Ryan]

Maybe someday. They're a species I've always thought were really cool and I saw some CB babies up for sale. They are all gone now and I am just not sure I have the room anyway. Thanks anyways though Matt.

[lorenmps]

They're alot of fun if you can get them settled in and feeding regularly. I never had a "dull moment" with the one I used to have

[RhinoFangs]

I think they would be kind of the same as a FWC. Thats just my opinon. The way i check the laws in ohio is i called the wildlife game warden. The are no laws in ohio the keep you from owing anything. I love the state im in. So you could try your local game warden.

[The Snake Guru]

I think they would be kind of the same as a FWC

Little warmer than that, but not by much!

~B~

[Reptile Ryan]

I actually talked to an Illinois DNR representative yesterday about this subject along with a few others and he says they are actually legal to keep in the state of Illinois. He named these guys as well as false water cobras specifically as being legal. There are other rear fanged that are not, he mentioned boomslangs. Also, in most parts of Illinois there is a 15 foot law. Any snake 15ft long or over is termed potentially dangerous and is no longer a legal animal to maintain in a personal collection. I'm in the clear with my boas... I was a little concerned. Just thought I'd post this for anyone interested.

[mcem]

Thanks for posting!! Definitely interesting and nice to know.

[Reptile Ryan]

I felt very enlightened after talking to him. I was inquiring about western hognose snakes and how to legally keep them. Apparently in Illinois they are a protected species so there are a few hoops you have to jump through in order to keep them. We got to chatting about other laws in the state and this topic came up. Definitely interesting.