Natrix Water Snake

[Debani]

Hey Y'all,

Well tommorow a lady is coming to pick up a Natrix water snake from the Store. We only recieved it a few days ago, So I don't know much about them.

Is it true they are illegal? Any info?

- Nick

[Jeff Hathaway]

Depends on the species, and where in Canada you are. Give me some more details and I can be of more help. Also, North American water snakes are no longer in the genus Natrix; they are now Nerodia.

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[Debani]

I am in Southern Ontario. Near Ottawa.

Our Reptiles are supplied from a company in Toronto.

Uhm, all I can tell you is, it's about a foot and a half long. It's black with white horizontal lines...

Thanks for the help Jeff!

- Nick

[Jeff Hathaway]

Hi Nick,

Since you're in Ontario, Nerodia sipedon sipedon (Northern Water Snakes) and Nerodiea sipedon insularum (Lake Erie Water Snake) would be illegal without permits. N. s. insularum is quite unusual and not found in the pet trade. N. s. sipedons are occasionally sold by wholesalers, but not often. Most water snakes in the trade are Floridas, and Bandeds, though there are others.

Any chance you can send me a pic- horizantal lines don't sound like a Nerodia at all.

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!