NYS regulations?

[count dewclaw]

Does anybody know New York State's regulations on keeping and/or breeding native garter snakes (i.e. Eastern garters)? Or do you know where I need to look to find out? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[stonyloam]

Garter snakes in NY are "unprotected" (same for milk snakes). That means that you may do anything that you like with them. Keep them, collect them sell them or even, heaven forbid kill them. The only stipulation is that whatever you do you must do it in a humane fashion or you could run afoul of animal cruelty laws.
check out New York State's Native Reptiles - WNYHS

[count dewclaw]

Thanks, I was trying to wade through the DEC website and was getting very confused.

[stonyloam]

Yeah, the NYSDEC website basically sucks!

[count dewclaw]

Garter snakes in NY are "unprotected" (same for milk snakes). That means that you may do anything that you like with them. Keep them, collect them sell them or even, heaven forbid kill them. The only stipulation is that whatever you do you must do it in a humane fashion or you could run afoul of animal cruelty laws.
check out New York State's Native Reptiles - WNYHS

This DEC biologist disagrees....I sent NYS DEC an email asking about keeping and breeding garters that I caught in my yard, this is what they wrote back...

"This email has been sent to me for response. Garter snakes are
protected in New York as native wildlife species, and it is illegal to collect
wild snakes and keep them as personal pets. A License to Collect or
Possess (LCP) is required for individuals who wish to obtain native garter
snakes (whether they are wild or captive bred), but this license is
only issued to wildlife researchers, exhibitors or educators. If you have
any further questions on this, feel free to call or email.

-Chris

Christopher Ray
Biologist I
NYS Dept. Environmental Conservation
Special Licenses Unit"


So, I guess I'll have to release the snakes I have. Now I will have to focus on non-native species of garter snakes.

[drache]

also remember, if you live in the five burroughs of NYC, an additional, much longer list applies
New York Animal Care & Control ( AC&C ) - Research Tools - NYC Administration Code

[count dewclaw]

Wow, I'm glad I don't live in the "city", that's quite a list of restricted animals.

[drache]

I have that native species sheet somewhere and I'll have to look at it again
I don't remember that garters were protected, but the sheet is very confusing

[count dewclaw]

Well this guy seems to think they are...and he works for the DEC...

[drache]

he would probably know
the thing that gets me is how they expect anyone to know these rules
three different agencies all impose their restrictions and other than the NY state exotic pet list you can't google them
even if you're savvy and wanting to find out, it's easy to miss a few
okay I found it - aaahhh . . . I see
the sheet I have had it originally listed as unprotected both at the state and federal level, but amended with ball point pen on the sheet at the state level
they just crossed off unprotected, but didn't list the actual status
that's why it was confusing
okay - Chris Ray also added a note, saying that all native NY reptiles are protected as "game species", but most don't have set seasons
that makes it really clear then, right?
I think I'm going to call this guy again
he seemed nice, so perhaps he can tell me about the game seasons for various species
and for those of you who have native species visiting you in your homes - it'll be like the dam beavers (snopes.com: Beaver Dam Letter)