Killing the snake is not an option in Pennsylvania. Both the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead are protected and taking or killing either without a permit from the commission is prohibited. Is it OK to kill snakes?
Is it legal to own a venomous snake in Pennsylvania?
The person in possession of the snake would have to obtain a Venomous Snake Permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission prior to obtaining the snake. The snake would then have to be legally collected from the wild in Pennsylvania during the open season and in compliance with size and possession limits.
Is it illegal to kill snakes in the United States?
The Garden State is another place that classifies snakes as non-game animals. But as such, that means without a season, it is illegal to kill them.
Can you kill snakes on your property in Illinois?
There are many threatened and endangered snakes in Illinois, including: The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is the only one protected by the ESA. Under (510 ILCS 68/) Herptiles-Herps Act, killing any non-threatened or endangered snake is legal on your land. In Indiana, you cannot kill, harm or take any snake from the wild without a permit.
Is it legal to kill snakes in Vermont?
Neither the fishing nor hunting regulations books of the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department specifically address snakes, and we couldn’t find any other references to the legality of killing other than the Timber Rattlesnake, which is listed as state endangered on their website.
Is killing snakes illegal in Pennsylvania?
Collecting or killing snakes All snakes in Pennsylvania are protected by Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission regulations. Species that are not listed as endangered, threatened or candidate may be captured or possessed under specific daily and possession limits.
Are snakes protected in PA?
All snakes in Pennsylvania are protected by Fish and Boat Commission regulations. Species that are not listed as endangered, threatened, or candidate may be captured or possessed under specific daily and possession limits.
Why is it illegal to kill rattlesnakes in PA?
It is one of seven reptiles in this highest priority tier. It is therefore protected under specific regulations by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC). New regulations took effect in 2007 to increase the protection for the species. Do Not Kill a Rattlesnake!
Are there any rules about capturing Pennsylvania snakes or killing Pennsylvania snakes?
PA Fish and Boat Commission regulations provide that a person may kill a venomous snake in defense of life and limb. This can be done regardless of the season. However, by law a person must report to the Commission in writing within 5 days, that such a killing occurred.
What do snakes do in the winter in Pennsylvania?
Snakes, and pretty much all reptiles across Pennsylvania, have launched into the annual fall move to denning and hibernation sites. For many, like the snapping turtle, it's a generally short trip. Often, it's as simple as slinking down into the mud and reducing body functions.
What counties in PA have rattlesnakes?
There are 21 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania and three of them — timber rattlesnakes, copperhead and the eastern massasauga — are venomous. The massasauga are only found in Venango, Butler and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania. They live in prairie type of wetlands that are found in these counties.
Can you kill a snake on your property?
This means that killing snakes is in fact legal on most urban properties but may be illegal in the outer areas of some rural properties. Still, wildlife experts strongly advise against killing snakes, warning people who do so put themselves at risk of a more serious penalty — severe illness and/or death.
Can you kill a copperhead in PA?
In Pennsylvania, a commission-issued venomous snake permit is required “to hunt, take, catch, kill or possess” a copperhead or timber rattlesnake. Even with the permit, “it is unlawful to possess, take, catch or kill more than 1 copperhead per calendar year.”
Is it illegal to kill a timber rattlesnake in PA?
An applicant must first purchase a Pennsylvania fishing license. A permitted hunter may annually “take, kill or possess” only one timber rattlesnake at least 42 inches long and having 21 or more subcaudal scales, which are the large, flat scales on the underside of the snake between its vent and the base of its rattle.
How much is a PA venomous snake permit?
Permits may be obtained by applying to: Natural Diversity Section Chief, Division of Environmental Services, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823-9616. The fee for residents is $30 per year; the fee for nonresidents is $60 per year.
Are venomous snakes legal in Pennsylvania?
It is illegal, however, to sell or own the venomous snakes that are native to Pennsylvania: the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake. In addition, 18 non-venomous native snakes are illegal to sell, including the eastern garter, black racer, black rat snake and short-head garter.
Are Copperheads in PA?
One of only three venomous snakes common to Pennsylvania, the Copperhead is a close cousin of the Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin found in more southerly aquatic environments. Reflecting its preferred habitat, the Copperhead sometimes is referred to as the “upland” or “highland” moccasin.
How much is the fine for killing a snake?
Fines for Killing Snakes. The fine for not complying with the Endangered Species Act 1973 carries a maximum penalty of $50,000 and/or 1 year in prison. As for the fines for breaking state law, these vary considerably. If you’re caught, the maximum penalty is likely to be several hundred dollars.
What is the only federally protected snake in Iowa?
Iowa. In Iowa, the only federally-protected snake is the massasauga rattlesnake. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, only garter snakes can be legally caught, collected, and killed in every state county. Timber rattlesnakes are protected in 14 out of 99 counties.
What snakes are protected in Arizona?
There are 4 protected snakes by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. These are the ridgenosed, twin spotted, rock, and massasauga rattlesnakes. If you kill any one of these snakes, you could face a fine or prison time.
How many snakes are there in New York?
There are only 16 native snake species in New York state. Of these, 2 are endangered species. These are the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake and the Queen snake, which have small and shrinking populations.
How many snakes are there in Kansas?
There are 40 snake species in Kansas, of which 6 are venomous. In Kansas, snakes are protected by state law. You have to obtain a collecting permit to catch and keep one, e.g. at a prairie rattlesnake roundup.
How many snakes are there in Connecticut?
There are 14 species of snake in Connecticut, of which just 2 are venomous. These are the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. The timber rattlesnake is endangered, and is a protected species. There are 4 snakes classed as species of particular concern, including: The timber rattlesnake.
What are the two types of snakes in North Dakota?
2 species of snake are classified as Level I Species of Conservation Priority in North Dakota. These are the smooth green snake and the plains hognose snake. There are no specific protections in place for these species.
What species of snakes are off limits in Magnolia?
There are a few endangered species that are off-limits and that includes the Rainbow Snake, Ringed Sawback, Yellow-blotched Sawback and the Southern Hognose.
How many snakes are there in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire. This state has 11 species of snake and only one, the Timber Rattlesnake, is venomous. It's also the only species classified as protected under New Hampshire's laws. Although, New Hampshire Fish and Game asks residents to leave the other species alone.
What snakes are in the Buckeye State?
The Buckeye State is home to the endangered Copper-bellied water snake and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Both snakes are under Federal and State protections. Otherwise, Ohio doesn't regulate the taking of snakes in any way. The state is also home to Timber Rattlesnakes and Eastern Copperheads.
How many venomous species are there in Indiana?
This state has four venomous species. Of those four, three (the Cottonmouth, Massasauga Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake) are all endangered and cannot be harmed. Indiana also has the Rough Greensnake, Smooth Greensnake, Scarletsnake, Southeastern Crowned Snake and the Red-bellied Mudsnake listed as either special concern or state endangered.
What are the four species of rattlesnakes in Connecticut?
This state protects four different species., including the Eastern Ratsnake, Eastern Ribbonsake, Eastern Hognose and the Timber Rattlesnake . Other than those four species, we dug through Connecticut's regulations and could find no wording protecting other species.
How many snakes can you take in Gem State?
The Gem State has changed their rules back and forth a bit in recent years. The latest rules state you can take up to four snakes as long as you are in possession of a hunting license. This includes rattlesnakes.
Is it illegal to kill snakes in Rhode Island?
Sounds like the place to go if you're leery of these serpents. In any case, the killing of all snakes is illegal in this tiny state.
What to do if you have a snake in your yard?
If you have one of these in your yard and you’re concerned about, especially if it’s a venomous species, call in a professional to relocate it. Most snake bites happen when people not trained in snake handling try to move or kill one themselves.
What species of snakes are off limits in Magnolia?
There are a few endangered species that are off-limits and that includes the Rainbow Snake, Ringed Sawback, Yellow-blotched Sawback and the Southern Hognose.
What snakes are in the Buckeye State?
The Buckeye State is home to the endangered Copper-bellied water snake and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Both snakes are under Federal and State protections. Otherwise, Ohio doesn’t regulate the taking of snakes in any way. The state is also home to Timber Rattlesnakes and Eastern Copperheads.
How many venomous species are there in Indiana?
This state has four venomous species. Of those four, three (the Cottonmouth, Massasauga Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake) are all endangered and cannot be harmed. Indiana also has the Rough Greensnake, Smooth Greensnake, Scarletsnake, Southeastern Crowned Snake and the Red-bellied Mudsnake listed as either special concern or state endangered.
What are the four species of rattlesnakes in Connecticut?
This state protects four different species., including the Eastern Ratsnake, Eastern Ribbonsake, Eastern Hognose and the Timber Rattlesnake . Other than those four species, we dug through Connecticut’s regulations and could find no wording protecting other species.
How many snakes are there in New Hampshire?
This state has 11 species of snake and only one, the Timber Rattlesnake, is venomous. It’s also the only species classified as protected under New Hampshire’s laws. Although, New Hampshire Fish and Game asks residents to leave the other species alone.
Is the rattlesnake protected in Nevada?
Nevada is home to no less than five species of rattlesnake, so it’s worth it to watch where you step! Rattlesnakes are not protected, but the Rosy Boa and the Sonoran Mountain King Snake are. All other snake species are classified as unprotected.
What is a repellent in Pennsylvania?
Repellents are chemicals that, when applied, deter wildlife habitation and feeding. a. a When using any chemical, read the label carefully for application methods and warnings. Use of certain chemicals requires permits and/or licenses. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Licensing (717-783-3959).
What is the Pennsylvania Game Commission?
If you have any concern that a control method violates these regulations, contact your regional Game Commission office before taking action to control nuisance wildlife. Also contact the office to notify them of any wildlife damage complaints.
When is protection removed from wildlife?
Protection is removed from wildlife, except migratory birds, big game, and threatened or endangered species, when an animal is obviously sick or diseased and poses a threat to human, farm animal, or pet safety. Only the owner or person in charge of the property, when the threat exists, may take these animals.
Can farmers kill animals?
Farmers may protect from wildlife damage farm crops, fruit trees, vegetables, livestock, poultry, or beehives on any farmlands under their control. They may kill game for harming crops or livestock but must report the kill to a Wildlife Conservation Officer. For further information on farmers' rights, refer to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau ...
What type of snake gives birth in Pennsylvania?
Snakes give birth in one of two ways. Species that lay eggs, such as the black rat snake, are termed "oviparous.". Other species including queen snakes and northern water snakes, give birth to live young and are termed "ovoviviparous.". All snakes are an essential component of Pennsylvania's wildlife resources.
How often do rattlesnakes shed their skin?
No. A rattlesnake develops a new rattle on its tail every time the snake sheds its skin. A healthy snake can shed its skin 2-3 or more times per year, each time adding a rattle to its tail. There is no visual method used to determine the age of a rattlesnake.
How long do black rat snakes incubate eggs?
The Copperhead give birth to live young encased in a sac while the black rat snake lays eggs which then incubate for two to three months. These two distinctively contrasting methods of reproduction make it impossible for these to species to breed. 5.
How long is a rattlesnake?
The Timber Rattlesnake must be at least 42 inches in length, measured lengthwise along the dorsal surface from the snout to the tail, excluding the rattle, and must possess 21 or more subcaudal scales.
What is a puff adder snake?
When using the term “puff adder”, most herpetologists are referring to an African species. Some people, however, refer to the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake as a puff adder. The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is nonvenomous, it is easily identified by its upturned snout. It ranges from Somerset County in the southwest to Wayne County in the northeast with populations also found in the Lake Erie drainage. Its diet is primarily frogs and toads, but will also eat salamanders.
Where are the subcaudal scales on a rattlesnake?
Subcaudal scales are large flat scales that are located on the rear ventral portion (underside) of a timber rattlesnake between the vent (anal scale) and the base of the rattle . Males have 21 or more subcaudal scales, females have less than 21 subcaudal scales. 3.
When is the timber rattlesnake season?
A permit is required to hunt or possess a Timber Rattlesnake. The season for Timber Rattlesnakes runs from the second Saturday in June to July 31st. It is unlawful to possess a Timber Rattlesnake without a permit and a permit must be obtained prior to possessing a Timber Rattlesnake.
Here Are All The Places in The United States Where It's Illegal to Kill Snakes.
Federally-Protected Snakes
- For sake of simplicity on this list, we're going to list every species of snake here in the United States that is currently protected under the Endangered Species Actof 1973. We got this list directly from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Unless otherwise noted, every species on this list is protected everywhere regardless of what state law says about snakes. The list includes both v…
Is It Illegal to Kill Snakes in Alabama?
- You are not allowed to capture, kill, sell or trade any of the following species in Alabama: Eastern Indigo, Eastern King, Eastern Coral, Gulf Salt Marsh, Prairie King, Rainbow, Speckled King or Southern Hognose snake. Other than those species, there are no laws protecting other species. And of those protected species, the only one you really need to worry about is the Eastern Coral, …
Alaska
- Technically, Alaska Fish and Game's website lists four species of sea turtle as being the only reptiles in the Last Frontier. Some people say there are common garter snakes here, but it seems to be a subject of much debate. In any case there are no laws on killing snakes in Alaska. Although we should mention, there are laws about illegally transporting snakes to Alaska, as a fi…
Arizona
- Many people get in trouble in Arizona not realizing there are some complicated regulations here. It doesn't help that this info is hard to find on the Arizona Game and Fish website. In an effort to let them do the talking, we'll link to it here. To put it briefly, it's illegal to kill a Mexican gartersnake, narrow-headed gartersnake, rock rattlesnake, twin-spotted rattlesnake, Massasauga rattlesnake …
Arkansas
- Some Arkansas residents might be surprised to learn that all snakes are protected in the Natural State. Now, some of you are probably saying: "Hey, wait a minute, what about that giant rattlesnake killed there a few years ago?" Well, there is one exception to the law, and that's for snakes that "pose reasonable threat or endangerment to persons or property." We're not legal ex…
California
- This one is a bit surprising. We'd expect the laws to be strict in the Golden State, but if anything, they're some of the most lenient in the U.S. Anyone can kill a rattlesnake at any time in California, with one exception: the endangered red diamond rattlesnake. There is some confusion here in the regulations. Mostly because California considers snakes game animals but puts its reptile regul…
Colorado
- This is another state that may surprise people with its strict restrictions. The Centennial State makes it simple: they treat all snakes as protected nongame species.The exception is prairie rattlesnakes, which have an established season every year. You are also allowed to kill a rattlesnake in self-defense. Even then, we'd recommend not killing a Massasauga here, just so y…
Connecticut
- This state protects four different species., including the Eastern Ratsnake, Eastern Ribbonsake, Eastern Hognose and the Timber Rattlesnake. Other than those four species, we dug through Connecticut's regulations and could find no wording protecting other species.
Delaware
- The First State is another place that is vague on their rules regarding snakes. They list three species as endangered, the Redbelly Watersnake, the Eastern Scarlet Snake and the Corn Snake. Other than these four, we went through both the hunting regulations and fishing regulations for Delaware and could find no specified seasons regarding the take of reptiles.
Control and Prevention Methods
Landowner Control of Wildlife Damage: Laws and Regulations
- The Pennsylvania Game Commission's regulations for wildlife protection and damage control are printed below. If you have any concern that a control method violates these regulations, contact your regional Game Commission office before taking action to control nuisance wildlife. Also contact the office to notify them of any wildlife damage complaint...
For Further Information
- The Pennsylvania Game Commission
- Fish and Boat Commission 717-705-7800
- Penn State Extension Specialist 814-863-0401
- USDA Wildlife Services 717-728-0400
Acknowledgment
- Prepared by Cristin Conrad, extension assistant, and Gary San Julian, professor of wildlife resources, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Illustrations by John Sidelinger.