What Snakes Are Illegal To Own In Illinois?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Basically, licensees of the Illinois Department of Agriculture (usually pet shops) may not offer for sale or possess

any species of crocodilian

, any venomous species, or any boa or python 6 feet or larger.

What snakes can I own in Illinois?

Permittees may keep legally obtained venomous reptile specimens native to the United States, except the following species:

Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes

(Crotalus adamanteus); Western diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox); Mojave rattlesnakes (Crotalus scutulatus); Southern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus …

Can I own a Gila monster in Illinois?

There are no federal laws restricting anyone from owning a pet Gila monster. There are however, state and local laws you should be aware of.

It is illegal to own wild caught Gila monsters in most states

, especially states where these reptiles are native. Some states also have restrictions on venomous reptiles as pets.

Are anacondas legal in Illinois?

Has special caging and handling requirements. Boas, Pythons, Anacondas:

Exempt from permit and insurance if kept under handling requirements

. Crocodilians and Monitor Lizards: BANS possession except for education programs with 6 programs a year under Herptile Special Use Permit.

What venomous snakes can you own in Illinois?

. ​Four native Illinois snake species are venomous: the

copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake and the massasauga

.

Can I own a mangrove snake in Illinois?

The Illinois Herp Code regulates the keeping of venomous or boas and pythons in captivity. Illinois

state law prohibits the commercial sale of any wild-caught snake

or any of their parts, eggs, or offspring. Personal possession limits also exist for any native species of amphibian or reptile.

Can you own a wolf in Illinois?

States differ in regulating ownership of wolves and wolf hybrids, Bromwell said, but

in Illinois it is illegal to own any animal which the owner represents as a wolf

.

Can I own a bush baby in Illinois?

Illinois has a pretty

strict policy and ban on private ownership of exotic animals

. This includes non-domesticated felines, wolves, bears, reptiles and non-human primates. … There are no state requirements for a person possessing other exotic species not defined as “dangerous animals.”

Can you own a Gila monster as a pet?

The Gila Monster is a venomous lizard that is native to the United States. However,

in states where it is legal to own a pet Gila Monster

, it is strictly prohibited to capture them from the wild. These lizards are generally pretty docile animals, rarely using their venom in the wild.

Is a Gila monster the same as a Komodo dragon?

The Gila monster is one of

only small number of

(including the Mexican beaded lizard, the Komodo dragon and some Australian species). Rather than injecting venom through hollow fangs like venomous snakes, Gilas have enlarged, grooved teeth in their lower jaw.

Can I own a monkey in Illinois?

While Illinois law says

it's illegal to have a monkey

or another primate as a pet, the local owners can own the pet under a clause allowing lawful possession for those who had primates before Jan. 1, 2011.

Can I own a TEGU in Illinois?

Currently,

it is illegal for a private individual to

keep venomous species of reptiles in captivity, regardless of whether “venomoid” surgery has been performed or not. It is illegal to buy, sell, trade or barter any wild-caught Illinois herpetofauna, their offspring, or any of their parts for commercial purposes.

Can I own a fox in Illinois?

To put it simply:

yes, foxes are legal in Illinois

. Note: A fur-bearing mammal breeder permit is required to own a fox. However, a permit is not needed to own a fennec fox (Vulpes zerda).

What are the dog laws in Illinois?

The Responsibility of an Illinois Dog Owner

If an owner takes their dog for a walk on public property or on someone else's private property,

the dog should remain leashed

. If a dog escapes from the owner's property, the owner can be deemed responsible for any damage the dog causes.

Do water moccasins live in Illinois?

The four species of venomous snakes in Illinois are the Copperhead, Cottonmouth Water Moccasin, Timber Rattlesnake, and Eastern Massasauga. Three characteristics they share are: … If you encounter a venomous snake in the wild, just LEAVE IT ALONE.

Are there scorpions in Illinois?

Most of the world's 1,400-plus known species of scorpions are found in deserts and tropical rainforests. But not all of them. One,

the striped bark scorpion

(Centruoides vittatus), is found right here in Illinois. … During the heat of the day, scorpions seek cool, moist areas to avoid desiccation.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.