Best state for Herp Laws

Alaska-

No legal restrictions of any kind for anything involving any nonvenomous reptile in the entire class reptilia. Hots require a permit that is basically just a responsibility waiver. Its so cold outside in the winter, they pose no threat to native wildlife so no laws. alaskans are so anal on personal freedom that the ADFG tried to ban feral cats here and grassroots efforts repealed it.

Originally Posted by Gary O

Ohio is nice..........

SHHH... Dont draw attention Gary

Originally Posted by Mooing Tricycle

Mass is alright, you just need permits for things like Chondros and such. ( hots too, and i believe big constrictors)

I disagree, Mass sucks. You are only allowed to keep reptiles that are on an approved list and anything that is not included is not allowed. Permits are only granted to universities or other institutions that are doing research, not to private individuals.

Here are some general guidelines from Mass Wildlife on the state laws on keeping reptiles. Notice how many common species kept as pets are not allowed, i.e chameleons, varanids, chrondos, and many more.

# Reptiles:

Turtles:
Lawful (no MassWildlife permit required): All turtles, except rare species and those below.

Unlawful: the Argentine (Chaco) Tortoise, Gopher Tortoises and related species, and the Pancake Tortoise.

Snakes:
Regulations regarding the possession of snakes are quite detailed and should be consulted (321 CMR 9.01) for specifics. Some generalities are listed as follows.

Lawful (no MassWildlife permit required):
All species of boas and pythons, regardless of size, except rare species, and those listed as Unlawful
Shield-tailed Snakes and Sunbeam Snakes;
Worm Snakes (except rare species), Thread Snakes, and related species;
Several so-called "harmless" snakes, including Brown and Redbellied Snakes, Garter and Ribbon Snakes, Glossy Snakes, Green Snakes, House Snakes, Kingsnakes and Milksnakes, Rat Snakes (except rare species), Water Snakes, the Western Hognosed Snake and certain others.

Unlawful: Emerald Tree Boa, Green Tree Python, African Rock Python, Reticulated Python, and all Anacondas; Black Rat Snake; other rare species, any other snake not specified as lawful. Possession of ALL venomous ("poisonous") snakes is prohibited.

Crocodilians:
Lawful: None.

Unlawful (MassWildlife permit required): all crocodilians, including alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gavials.

Lizards.
Regulations regarding the possession of lizards are quite detailed and should be consulted (321 CMR 9.01) for specifics. Some generalities are listed as follows.

Lawful (no MassWildlife permit required):
All skinks (including the Solomon Islands Prehensile-Tailed Tree Skink) rare species, and skinks listed below as unlawful.
False Club-tailed Lizards, Girdle-tailed Lizards, Plated Lizards, and Rock Lizards;
Most Teiid Lizards;
Some Lacertid Lizards and Lateral-fold Lizards;
All Gekkos except rare species and the Big Bend Gekko;
Several iguanids, including Basilisks, Collared and Leopard Lizards, Common (Green) Iguana, False Iguana, New World Chameleons, Spiny Lizards, and Tree and Bush Lizards;
Some Agamid Lizards, such as the Water Dragon, and most Night Lizards.
Unlawful:
Rare species, Florida Sand Skinks, Solomon Islands Ground Skink, Chameleons, Monitor Lizards, Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard, and any other lizards not specifically listed.

i live in michigan and they are very reptile friendly here. no permits for venomous, crocodillian and other snakes. i love it here.