this is a copy of the email from a PFBC biologist in regards to the keeping and breeding of non native species also found in PA
July 28, 2003
Dear Chris:
Your question was forwarded to me; I am a biologist in the Natural
Diversity Section of the Fish and Boat Commission and we deal with
questions
and issues pertaining to reptiles and amphibians. I will briefly
summarize
the regulations for your interest of breeding or selling reptiles and
amphibians.
There are no permits issued by the Fish and Boat Commission for
breeding or selling reptiles and amphibians. Our regulations require that
with the exception of common snapping turtles, no reptile or amphibian may
be taken from the wild in Pennsylvania for sale, trade, or barter. Also,
it
is unlawful to possess, import, or export species listed as endangered or
threatened by the Fish and Boat Commission. The limit of two individuals
applies only to snakes that are captured from the wild in Pennsylvania.
For
species not taken from the wild but which may occur in PA, a dealer or
purchaser would need to obtain and maintain the proper documentation to
show
that the origin of an animal was from a legal source and not taken from
the
wild. A bill of sale or receipt would be an example of the proper
documentation. Another suggestion for documentation would be to keep a
thorough record of your breeding of these snakes: photographs, and a
journal
of the number of young hatched and what you do with them.
Sincerely,
Katharine L. Derge
Herpetologist/Assistant Nongame Biologist
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Division of Environmental Services
Natural Diversity Section
450 Robinson Lane
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Amanteus...I have this persons email if you'd like to send some of your questions to them...email me
angnchris@earthlink.net if interested...peace, Chris