False Water Cobra

[DweltAlloy033]

Hi, i was wondering if you can keep a False Water Cobra or Asian vine snake in Washington state.

[chairman]

So, the Washington State website:

https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/import-requirements/illegal-animals

It says you cannot keep dangerous animals. Dangerous animals include venomous animals. However, is a false water cobra or vine snake considered venomous? The website again:

https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=16.30.010

It states the only venomous colubrid recognized is dispholidus typus, or the boomslang. So, barring a local ordinance, you should be able to keep a false water cobra or Asian vine snake. Bear in mind that both are mildly 'venomous' and you could have an allergic reaction to their saliva. Also, vine snakes are lizard eaters and can be very hard to keep.

[DweltAlloy033]

Sorry, I dont understand very well, would I be able to keep mangrove or brown tree snakes?

[chairman]

Both mangrove and brown tree snakes are colubrid snakes. (Family colubridae.) They have saliva that is technically a variety of venom (so is human saliva), but are not typically considered venomous. People can and do have bad allergic reactions to bites from those snakes; however, you should be able to keep them unless a local ordinance bans them.

[DweltAlloy033]

how would I tell if a local ordinance bans them? Im WA king county

[DweltAlloy033]

So, if i understand correctlty, In Washington state you can keep any colubrids other than boomslang?

[chairman]

Either King County or your city/township will have an animal ordinance. Most likely they'll only involve dogs, cats, and livestock. But, they may discuss snakes. The ordinances should be available online.

[DweltAlloy033]

ok thank you

[DweltAlloy033]

it says on the king county website:

C. "Exotic animal" means any of the following:

1. Venomous species of snakes capable of inflicting serious physical harm or death to human beings;

[DweltAlloy033]

with this in mind, the mangrove snake and others should be ok I think...

[chairman]

Not ALL colubrids, as some are protected Federally or restricted by CITES. But, generally, if you can purchase a colubrid from a reputable source then it should be legal in WA. Except the boomslang.

[DweltAlloy033]

Ok. Thanks for all your help! :)

[chairman]

It looks like King County is using the same wording as the State, so I believe you are correct.

[DweltAlloy033]

It does not say whether you can keep elapids and vipers, I assume you cannot?

[DweltAlloy033]

oh nevermind it says you cant keep vipers or elapids oops