Hello from New York!

[ZZTalon]

You need a natives permit in NY? In NJ we can own Easterns without a permit. NJ is ridiculous, we need a permit for Rat Snakes, but we don't need one for an ostrich! Not joking!

Yes, It usually doesn't apply to albino/non wild type specimens, or non-native subspecies, but in NY you need a "License to collect and Possess" to keep native species. In terms or Garters= Eastern and Shortheads. It's to protect wild populations from exploitation in the pet trade. They actually did a huge bust a few years ago, called "Operation Shellshock" and nabbed a group trying to sell a wide variety of WC animals on the internet. Unfortunately most of the animals were in pretty bad shape, and could not be released. It's actually an interesting discussion topic, people buy and release non-native sliders into central park constantly, and we now have pretty strong populations of these turtles (who out compete native painteds @ basking sites) in certain areas.

I think overall though it's a good thing, (despite my personal enthusiasm/excitement to be able to keep whatever I want) I've seen people pick up box turtles and try to keep them as pets in an aquarium full of water, only to have them drown, thereby removing a perfectly healthy animal from the breeding population.

[SilasBannook]

Welcome to the forum. Great info on licensing issue in NY. I look forward to reading what you have to share. It also sounds like you have a great collection. Do consider taking pictures and showing us your set up and the snakes you care for.

[Artic Exotics]

Sorry to interrupt.....

Hi new york :-)

WELCOME!!!