Venomous regulations

I've been searching and can't seem to find an answer... I may be overlooking it.
Are Eyelash Vipers and Copperheads allowed to be kept in VA? I'm in Frederick County. I have a permit for corns and kings. Didn't want to email them since it may "flag" us. Even though we do not have any venomous., we were taking of gtn a couple but wanted to ck the legality of it first

All the current herp regulations for VA are given here: http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/herplaw/index.htm

A good method to use to get valid information is to call the local government and say you're doing research for a book or article. Ask the person you end-up speaking to if you can quote them. Most of the time they will double or triple check the information if they think their name will be attached to it.

Yea i looked that up. But besides rattlesnakes I didn't see much. We are wanting an Eyelash viper bit can't find a thing on them. And most people in my area are not snake friendly people so I don't know if I'll get any correct answers from the town offices or not. But thanks! I need to sit down with my computer and look since my phone cuts pages off sometimes

I try to stay current on herp regulations especially in Northern VA. To my knowledge there are no county level restrictions in Frederick. VA. State law prohibit the possession of the state endangered "canebrake rattlesnake" (Crotalus horridus) Coastal Plain specimens.

If you have carefully considered venomous, I would suggest starting with an indigenous northern copperhead. They are beautiful snakes and typically incapable of delivering a fatal bite. Also if (when) you do get bit, you can say it occurred out in the woods. This way an accidental bite won't reflect poorly on our hobby.

jw wrote:

I try to stay current on herp regulations especially in Northern VA. To my knowledge there are no county level restrictions in Frederick. VA. State law prohibit the possession of the state endangered "canebrake rattlesnake" (Crotalus horridus) Coastal Plain specimens.

If you have carefully considered venomous, I would suggest starting with an indigenous northern copperhead. They are beautiful snakes and typically incapable of delivering a fatal bite. Also if (when) you do get bit, you can say it occurred out in the woods. This way an accidental bite won't reflect poorly on our hobby.

Thank you for that info. My husband is the one who wants the venomous. The copperhead is definitely on our list. With not many others lol. He's been researching and speaking to other owners for a few yrs now. I do not plan on handling them myself. But I'm the one who basically does it full time so I need to know everything too. We are going to Hamburg this weekend so there will be plenty to see

Yeah, I would double check with your county. As far as statewide regulations, there are no limitations on eyelash vipers. However, Frederick county may have recently restricted dangerous animals. Although John is good at keeping up with the regs.

First time hot owners should probably start out with a native species (antivenin/antivenom, however you like to say it) are usually found at local hospitals for these snakes. Copperheads, in my opinion are one of the most beautiful vipers in the world.

if possible, try to work with someone that already has venomous snakes before getting any of your own....its really not something to learn as you go....best to know it before you get started.

ChuckHurd wrote:

if possible, try to work with someone that already has venomous snakes before getting any of your own....its really not something to learn as you go....best to know it before you get started.