Importing Snakes From Mexico to the U.S.

March 12, 2009

Question: I am a snake enthusiast who will soon be taking a collecting trip through the southern states and Mexico to collect snakes found outside of California. Where do I go to find a list of importable snakes versus banned ones? What is the process for legally bringing in a non-native snake or subspecies not found here? Thank you. (Seth D.)

Answer: Any reptile species brought into the United States from Mexico requires Mexico permits and a United States Fish and Wildlife Service import license. According to Game Warden Kyle Chang, you cannot bring any species into California from other states or Mexico that are listed as being endangered or threatened species (FGC 2080). Lists of prohibited reptile species can be found in the Fish and Game Code (FGC 2118) and the Title 14 California Code of Regulations (T-14 CCR 671).

Almost all venomous reptiles are prohibited in California. Reptiles may only be imported into California as long as:

1.   They were legally taken and possessed outside of this state.

2.   There are no regulations prohibiting their possession in California.

3.   A “Declaration for Entry of Fish and Game” form is submitted to the DFG or designated agency at or immediately before the time of entry (FGC 2353[a]).

These are the regulations just for importing reptiles into California. If you plan to take, transport through or import reptiles into other states, please check those states for their regulations.