Fwc?

[kwhitlock]

Hey guys.

So yesterday me and my girlfriend ended heading out to the Great Lakes reptile rescue and zoo, pretty neat place. Has the biggest retic I've ever seen, and apparently the biggest in Michigan. Anyways, this is the first time if seen the smooth scaled snake (False Water Cobra) I fell in love. One of the most beautiful snakes I have ever seen. But I'm not entirely sure if I can even keep one legally. So are these snakes considered a true venomous snake? Or are they similar to a hog nose where they are technically venomous but being rear fanged and their venom not being very strong, is it legal? If it is legal, anyone have any kind of experience with them ?

[exwizard]

Idk what your laws are concerning rear fanged snakes like Hognoses and False Water Cobras but in answer to the other part of your question, both these snakes are similar in their potency as well.

I'm glad you brought this question up because venomous snakes are illegal in Iowa as well. Also one of the Hognose species (Western or Eastern) is also illegal here but I think it's because they're native here or maybe that's coincidental. In any case, I would like to know the legal status of rear fanged snakes compared to other venomous snakes as well.

[SSSSnakes]

In New York rear fang snakes are considered venomous and require a license. FWC venom is equal to Timber Rattlesnake venom. They just have a poor delivery system. Considered not dangerous to humans normally, you never know how you personally will react to venom until you are bitten. Some people die from a bee sting.

I see people free handling them all the time, but the world is filled with idiots. I treat mine as venomous.

[kwhitlock]

See that's the part that I'm trying to find out, I asked about the laws at the expo and have e looked them up, reptile laws are not the most layed out thing in Michigan. They are pretty non specific. Basically the only law they have is no venomous snakes. I'm thinking the hard implying true venomous snakes (rattlers, vipers, etc.) because their are Hoggies everywhere for sale here. Expos, local pet stores. So I'm curious to see if FWC fall under that category.

[SSSSnakes]

See that's the part that I'm trying to find out, I asked about the laws at the expo and have e looked them up, reptile laws are not the most layed out thing in Michigan. They are pretty non specific. Basically the only law they have is no venomous snakes. I'm thinking the hard implying true venomous snakes (rattlers, vipers, etc.) because their are Hoggies everywhere for sale here. Expos, local pet stores. So I'm curious to see if FWC fall under that category.

You need to contact who enforces the law and find out. In New York it is the DEC. Also there could be local and city laws you may have to check.

[exwizard]

I sure hope you have better luck with that than I did when I tried finding out info from our DNR. It's worth a try though.

[kwhitlock]

I hope so, I'm going to try and find out what I can and cannot keep in MI. Just gonna ask around about the actual fine print for the what is a venomous snake..