The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has seized nearly three dozen venomous snakes from an Idaho man, including several exotic species from As
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has seized nearly three dozen venomous snakes from an Idaho man, including several exotic species from Asia, Central and South America and Africa.
The IDFG served a search warrant on the Boise resident September 5 and seized nearly two dozen Great Basin rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus lutosus), an Indian cobra (Naja naja), Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis), a flat-nosed pit viper (Trimeresurus puniceus), two Vogel’s pit vipers (Trimeresurus vogeli), two Cape Coral cobras (Aspidelaps lubricus), two hog-nosed pit vipers (Porthidium nasutum), a green bush viper (Atheris squamigera), a zebra spitting cobra (Naja nigricincta), two monocled cobras (Naja kaouthia) and a massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus).
This monocled cobra was seized by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game . Photo by Evin Oneale/IDFG
“We were more than a bit surprised by what we discovered,” IDFG regional conservation officer Charlie Justus said in a press release announcing the seizure.
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Non-native reptiles and amphibians are regulated by the IDFG, and in certain cases, an import permit and a health certificate are required to possess them. Wild-caught specimens from other states also require a permit and certificate before they are brought into the state.
“If you can purchase a specimen at the local pet store, no permit is needed,” Justus said. “If you are looking to purchase a specimen online or from an out of state retailer, it’s best to ask IDFG first.”
According to the IDFG, the suspect didn’t have the necessary documentation for any of the snakes in his possession.
No charges have been filed against the man, pending review of the evidence. The IDFG is currently looking for a zoo that will take these snakes in.
