Keeping Snakes in the United States

A very cranky Rattle snake!

I imagine that keeping snakes here in the States is not much different from the keeping in Australia. We do have less stringent laws for the most part with many states having little or no restrictions on keeping non-venomous species and some having laws as far as venomous.

I have been keeping snakes for about 8 years and started with the easy and familiar Cornsnake (Pantherophis Gutatta). My husband and I went to our first reptile show and purchased a beautiful amelanistic corn that we named C.S. (short for Christmas Snake-being near to Christmas time). He was the ideal first snake being mellow, a good eater and quite comfortable with being handled. We kept him in a small 10 gl. (38 L) glass reptile cage at first and eventually moved him up to a 20 (76L), then 30 gl (114 L) tank. He grew to be a robust male of about 550 grams and was the father of my first clutch.

Somewhere along the way I acquired 5 more cornsnakes and began breeding. All my snakes are housed individually in their own homes and I hold to the philosophy that it is less stressful and more natural for snakes to live alone. I've never found snakes co-habitating in the wild unless it was at breeding time, or in the case of rattlesnakes, denning together in the winter for hibernation. All animals are fed frozen/thawed prey from tongs either in the cage as the case for arboreals and venomous to in separate feeding boxes for the cornsnakes and rainbow boa to keep from ingesting substrate. Babies are kept in plastic shoeboxes with paper towel substrate on racks. My adults are all housed in custom melamine cages that vary in size depending upon species and age. Adult arboreals are kept in cages that measure 48" X 24" X 24" (122 cm X 61 cm X 61 cm). Cornsnakes, snail eaters and juvenile snakes are housed in 36" X 18" X 14" (91 cm X 46 cm X 36 cm). I use heat panels with thermostats to heat the cages. You can see the cages here on my website: http://www.franclycac.com/aboutus.htm

I keep many of my snakes in natural earth cages with live plants. Cornsnakes have shredded aspen for bedding and the arboreals that aren't in natural bio cages have sphanum moss for substrate and pothos plants are in all cages that are lit.

Here in the U.S. we can keep a variety of species from many countries without a problem, including the beautiful Green tree python (Morelia Viridis) that is found in your country. I also keep Amazon tree boas (Corallus Hortulanus), Brazilian Rainbow Boas (Epicrates Cenchria), Common Snail Eaters (Sibon Nebulatus), and several venomous species. This includes the Copperhead (Agkistrodon Contortrix), Eyelash Viper (Bothrops Schlegelii), False Water Cobras (Hydronastes Gigas) and a neotropic Rattlesnake (Crotalus Simus).

Large boas and pythons are restricted in some states, Florida being the notable one since the problem with invasive Reticulated pythons and Burmese. There was some hysteria as to whether or not these large constrictors would take over the United States but studies done have shown they have a fairly limited ability to handle cold or extreme heat, making it impossible for them to move out of the immediate area of southern Florida. Keepers of these beautiful animals are still facing restrictions in Florida and we are fighting daily to stop more legislation

Keeping venomous in the U.S. varies from state to state. Some states such as Florida, require a license and proof of 1000 hours of hand's on internship with a mentor. Other states, like the one I live in, have no restrictions at all and anyone over the age of 18 may keep and own any type of venomous. Other states have a little of both-some permits required, but not the amount necessary in Florida. There are also exceptions in counties or cities even within states that do allow venomous.

I keep all venomous in locking cages with double sliding doors. I prefer having the ability to open the door farthest away from the animal in order to work or offer food or to spray the cage. All hides are capable of turning into catch boxes so if I want to clean the cage and the animal is in the hide, I just lock them in and I don't have to worry about moving them.

I keep a variety of hooks and tongs to move the animals to a holding tub with a lid. I avoid handling them as much as possible to reduce the chance of a bite. Responsible keepers generally keep a protocol book with medical information on the person (myself) and treatment protocols for each species for medical personnel. In the event of a bite a trip to the local hospital would be in order along with your protocol book. Since I keep an indigenous venomous species (the copperhead) I would have the anti-venom available at our local hospital. The more exotic species such as the eyelash viper or the neotropic would have to be obtained from either a zoo or Dade County (Florida) venom bank who would fly the treatment to the hospital needing it. Anti-venom is very costly here and has a finite shelf life so obtaining it to keep in your home is not practical. The species I keep also can use Crofab if necessary as a stop gap measure to treat until the proper anti venin is obtained.

There is nothing quite like keeping snakes and I love observing mine each day. I love the look of my reptile room with its custom cages that make it make it easier to care for all of my snakes more efficiently. I make enough breeding and selling babies to "support my habit" and hope to be able to do so for many years.

Meg Francoeur

Francly Corns and Chondros

www.Franclycac.com

This is a Mojave green that my friend owned.  

 

 

Here's a lovely Canebrake I found while looking at some property we almost bought (I would have bought it just for this reason only if I could!)

 

 

Rattlesnake Research Program Co-ordinator Emily Lomas

DESTINATION CANADA
Making a difference
THE phrase "Canadian desert" may sound like an oxymoron but there's a block of land in the southern Okanagan Valley in British Columbia where scorpions and rattlesnakes go about their business as if they were in Texas.

This is the Osoyoos, and although it's technically classified as a grassland or shrub-steppe ecology, it's known locally as Canada's "pocket desert".

"Not all of Canada is covered in snow," says Emily Lomas, the snake biologist and master of science student who co-ordinates the rattlesnake research program at the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre.

"The region contains many plants and animals found nowhere else in Canada, including amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates. And most are rare or endangered."

Much of this habitat has been eroded by human activity. This is not surprising given its hot, dry summers, which guarantee one of the longest growing seasons in Canada and the region's popularity as a holiday destination.

In 2003, the research program was set up as a joint venture between the Osoyoos Indian Band (one of seven aboriginal Okanagan Nations) and Environment Canada with the aim of determining the depth of the problem and identifying solutions. Rattlesnakes, which are frequently killed during encounters with humans, face increasing difficulties due to habitat loss and altered land use. By focusing her work on the largely untouched Osoyoos Indian Reserve, Lomas is able to compare snakes in their natural habitat with those affected by human encroachment.

"An ongoing goal of the project is to identify movement corridors of both the [threatened] western rattlesnake and the great basin gopher snake, from den sites to lower-elevation summer foraging areas, to identify important sites and habitat features and to get an idea of how many snakes live in the area," she says.

"Once we have all the data analysed, we can start to make some conclusions about the population, and from there we can make recommendations that will [have an] impact. Other aspects of the project so far have paved the way for how and where to implement snake fencing, and have investigated whether or not certain snake management practices are beneficial."

The program also plays an important role in raising the profile of these reptiles among residents and tourists, and providing effective solutions.

"These rattlesnakes are a natural part of the ecosystem here. They may play an important pest-management role by feeding on the rodents in the area. [Besides], by conserving rattlesnakes and their habitat, you are also conserving [the] habitat for many [other] rare and endangered species."

Although the nature of this work means there aren't many volunteer researchers, the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre relies on helpers to convey the importance of its cultural and ecological programs. And visitors are encouraged to get involved with conservation through an adopt-a-rattler program. Funds raised are used to purchase microchips and radio transmitters, and adopters get special access to biologists.

It's just another way in which Lomas can share her enthusiasm.

nkmipdesert.com

Turtles In Trouble!

click to view

Checkout the program to rehabilitate turtles in Cairns...Turtle Rehab The affect of pollution in our oceans impact on these unfortunate sea creatures. TASMANIA HAS A LOT TO LEARN! An article, Murray River turtles threatened by drought, contradicts and is ideologically at odds with DPIPWE's Animal Management Branch's "final solution." The offer stands, Reptile Rescue is willing to fund and repatriate back to the mainland, any turtles found in the state.

Scientists find lost toad in jungle

Scientists have rediscovered a spindly-legged toad species almost 90 years after it was last sighted in Malaysia's Borneo jungle.

The sambas stream toad, or borneo rainbow toad, was found by a team of scientists after months of scouring remote forest in Sarawak state on Borneo island, Conservation International (CI) said in a release.

The endangered toad was last seen in 1924 and only three of the toads had ever been seen.

"It is good to know that nature can surprise us when we are close to giving up hope, especially amidst our planet's escalating extinction crisis," amphibian specialist Robin Moore of the Virginia-based group said.

"Amphibians are at the forefront of this tragedy, so I hope that these unique species serve as flagships for conservation, inspiring pride and hope by Malaysians and people everywhere."


Malaysian researcher Indraneil Das set out with his team to rediscover the sambas stream toad last August, searching after dark along the rugged ridges of a mountain range in western Sarawak state.

The toad was listed as one of the world's "top 10 most wanted lost frogs" as part of a campaign by CI and another group to encourage scientists around the world to seek out amphibians that had not been seen in a decade or longer.

After months of combing through the jungle, the Sarawak team eventually discovered a small toad up a tree, which turned out to be the missing sambas stream toad. In total, they found three individuals up three different trees.

"Thrilling discoveries like this beautiful toad, and the critical importance of amphibians to healthy ecosystems, are what fuel us to keep searching for lost species," Dr Das said in the release.

"They remind us that nature still holds precious secrets that we are still uncovering, which is why targeted protection and conservation is so important."



Dr Das made headlines last year after he discovered Asia's tiniest frog, which is the size of a pea, in a national park in Sarawak state.

Sarawak and neighbouring Sabah states make up Malaysia's half of Borneo island, which is shared with Indonesia.

AFP

Courtesy ABC News.

LIZARDS IN TEDDY BEARS IN WA SMUGGLING ATTEMPT

ABC NEWS: 30.06.2011

A Hong Kong couple has been arrested in Perth for attempting to smuggle wildlife out of Australia concealed in teddy bears.

In a joint operation between Customs and the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), officers raided a home in the southern Perth suburb of St James on Wednesday night.

They seized 31 lizards in the raid - 24 bobtails, six crevice skinks and one sand swimmer skink - along with several soft toys, packaging and postage material.

Rick Dawson, a senior wildlife investigator with the DEC says bobtail lizards can fetch up to $7,500 on the Asian black market.

"While common in Western Australia, these lizards are highly sought after in Asia because they are easy to care for, attractive, and exotic," he said ... Click here to read this story in full

TOYS-R-USINDIA

This is an example gross irresponsibility, on two counts. The snake in question, a cobra, has obviously had a surgical procedure to render it harmless, or as is often the case, the mouth could have been sewn up to prevent it from biting. 

The other issue with this clip is, what will be ingrained in the child and what happens if this little one encounters another cobra in different circumstances?

Snakes can become social over time, treating humans with indifference, however in this instance this is obviously not the case,  the snake's posturing tells us that it feels threatened. Had this snake been able to administer an effective bite, this child most likely would have died a horrible death.

NOTICE: This video is being circulated via email without an acknowledgement of the author. It is possible that it may have been made by a tourist documenting a 'street performance' or made under any number of circumstances. It's certainly not what it first appears to be. Any further information would be appreciated. 

SORTING SNAKES, TUFF LOVE METHOD

Obviously this chap does this job often and is relaxed around his snakes. However, though fairly hardy, snakes can respond to a more gentle approach and will accept handling without the need to take on a defensive posture. 

As often observed in overseas culture, demonstrates a less than empathetic disposition, where wild life is considered a commodity to for what ever reason, be it for commercial gain or for human consumption. 

We may feel uncomfortable watching this mans rough handling skills, however from his point of view he would question what all the fuss was about.

NOTICE: This video is being circulated via email without an acknowledgement of the author. It is possible that it may have been made by a tourist or made under any number of circumstances.  Any further information would be appreciated. 

TERRAPINS CARED FOR AT JFK AIRPORT

Click here for image source

The diamondback terrapins of New York City (and especially those in Queens) are on a different schedule than us, but it’s just as important. Terrapins spend almost all of their time in salt marsh creeks and estuaries until it is time to mate. From mid-June to mid-July they gather off nesting beaches to mate. After mating, the females wait for several days for the eggs to mature. Then the females must leave the safety of the estuarine waters to search for a nest site in the dunes.

Even the runway of one of the busiest airports in the world, JFK International airport, will not stop these females from crossing and finding a place to lay their eggs ... click here to read the story online

•  Click for more information on diamondback terrapins

These are the JFK chaps' OZY cousins. In 2009 the BBC ran a story about our  eastern long-necked turtles living in the suburbs of Australia telling the world that they have a larger home range and that they cope better with periods of drought than their mates in the bush ...  Click here to read the BBC News Story

It was refreshing to read of an airport the size of JFK in the US that cares so much about wildlife conservation that they go out of their way to save wayward terrapins from harm.

ALERT!

If you want to see how our DPIPWE, Tasmania wildlife authorities value Australian endemic turtles, protected in every other state, other than Tasmania, write and ask them. You’ll find turtles categorised with foxes and cared for accordingly, despite the offer by Reptile Rescue to repatriate them back to their state of origin at Reptile Rescue's expense. 

These unfortunate creatures didn't swim across Bass Strait, they were imported by people. People must be held accountable, why destroy turtles in order to send a strong message? Why persecute the victim.....turtles????? Who is responsible for this directive and why are they still in the job of caring for wildlife if this is their response to turtles found in Tasmania?

If you agree that DPIPWE is breaching it's duty of care for an endemic species, afforded legislative protection on mainland Australia, then on animal welfare grounds, then by all means please feel free to express your outrage.

 

Snake on a bullet train causes scare in western Japan

The snake found on a bullet train is pictured in this photograph provided by Shiga Prefecture Police. (Mainichi)

A snake was found on the seat of a bullet train traveling between Shin-Osaka and Kyoto stations on June 4, promoting officials to halt the train.

The 1-meter-long red-and-black snake was found by a conductor in the third car of the Kodama 642 bullet train at about 8:55 a.m. on June 4. The train was halted at Maibara Station in Shiga Prefecture, and workers from a prefectural animal control center captured the reptile. None of the 200 passengers on board were injured.

Police are treating the snake as lost property, and are investigating how it got on board.

Officials from Maibara Police Station and Central Japan Railway Co. (JR Tokai) said the snake was found on a seat near the middle of the third carriage. One passenger in the carriage was moved to another carriage after its discovery, and the snake was captured at about 10:50 a.m.

A facility specializing in snakes identified the reptile as a nonvenomous Honduran milk snake native to Central America. The snakes are imported for sale in pet shops, fetching 20,000 to 30,000 yen each, according to one pet shop. It is said that they do not attack people.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT MILK SNAKES

ANNUAL REPORT TO:   Animal Ethics Committee – Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Policy and Projects Group

Subject:   A quantitive study of the ecology and distribution of Tasmanian snake population at Wesley Vale, and their relationship to prey species   

•  Chief investigator:  Ian Norton , Underwood, 7268
•  Approval date of initial application:   9th Sept 2008

CLICK HERE  

Emergency Information

Link to the Commonwealth Serum Laboratory's Antivenom Handbook (Second Edition, 2001)

Click Here  to Access The Handbook

NOTE: This book, designed for doctors, gives information on indications and use for all CSL Ltd antivenoms. It was published in 1996 and revised in late 2001. It is available, for doctors and hospitals, direct from CSL Ltd, 45 Poplar Road, Parkville Vic 3052 AUSTRALIA. The contents are placed online for the convenience of doctors seeking information on CSL antivenoms in emergencies such as a snake  bite incident.

A CAREER IN REPTILE RESEARCH

Since he was a small boy Bryan Fry had always said that he was going to make venomous snakes his career. As reported by the smh he is "now a world expert on venom and spends much of his time catching and milking poisonous snakes, lizards, spiders, fish, octopuses, scorpions and jellyfish, then studying the compounds at his laboratory in Brisbane."

Fry admits to a "child-like curiosity about the evolution of these animals". At 40, he is now an associate professor at the University of Queensland and the head of its Venom Evolution Laboratory.

In May, Bryan Fry was presented with the Australian Academy of Science's Fenner Medal, for distinguished research in biology by a young scientist

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/money/investing/profile-bryan-fry-20110621-1gca2.html#ixzz1Q3B2mWih

NOT TASMANIA: But what do these images tell us?

This is not going on Tasmania but wherever it is they are doing what Tasmania knows how to do  very well – well it seems that they do. The exemplar extinction that belongs to Tasmania is the Thylacine  – the Tasmanian Tiger – but it does not and has not stopped there. When things go extinct it is a little bit like the "canary down the coal mine" story – watch out we are next! Unsustainability is so so obvious when you stop and really look at it yet we have little to no idea what say 'Climate Change' is telling us in Tasmania via our reptiles. Actually these sea turtles are in Costa Rica and a lesson is being learnt.

Please click on the image to enlarge it

What these pictures are telling us we need to heed no matter where we live – Tasmania , Costa Rica or elsewhere. Humans have been into unsustainability for eons but increasingly it is obvious that we are approaching the end of the line and that we need to look a future where sustainability is more than an idea and it is something that we actively practice.

There is not a lot of difference between the unsustainability of this 'turtle egg harvest' and the unsustainability of much of Tasmania's resource management and if you live in Tasmania you will know about a great many of them. Field naturalist, and herpetologists, can tell us quite a bit about what is going on and what is being lost. But who is listening?

NOW FOR A DIFFERENT SPIN ON THE IMAGES: The photographs are indeed genuine, but they do not depict the illegal poaching of turtle eggs. In fact, the egg harvest shown in the photographs is a perfectly legal and strictly controlled event that is managed by the Costa Rican government and been in operation since the 1980's.

Far from being an "attack against nature", the egg harvest is an integral part of a long term conservation program that has resulted in a significant increase in the successful hatchings of Olive Ridley Turtles • [1] • [2] • [3]

Wouldn't it be really nice if we could put an alternative spin like this on some of the unsustainabile harvesting that goes on in Tasmania?

Pictures speak volumes and avoid long essays and deliver their messages at lightning speed. Send us your images and but be careful about the way you tell your stories.

WATCH THIS SPACE

Albeit that this site is sponsored and supported by Tasmania's Reptile Network there are people in the network interested in all things reptilian all over Australia – and indeed the world. If you would like to be a part of this network and would like to contribute to this site please contact either:

• IAN: snakes1@7250.net
• JANE: snakes2@7250.net
• SALLY: snakes3@7250.net

We look forward to hearing from you!