legality in illinois?

Howdy all!
I've been oogling hognoses a while but have yet to take the plunge... some day I'm sure I will! However, I'm a bit concerned about reptile laws in Illinois; I haven't seen *any* hoggies at the local shows here. At first I thought it was just because the shows were small, but now I wonder if Illinois has them outlawed because they are rear-fanged?
Anyone know whether hoggies are legal in Illinois?

Thanks!

The Western Hognose is threatened in parts of IL. Given that status, it may be illegal to sell them in the state. That may (or may not) have something to do with the lack of hoggies in IL shows.

We still see plenty of them in WI, though. If you want to take the plunge, cross the border to SEWERFest later in October (http://www.sewerfest.com/). There's a breeder who shows there regularly and has exquisite animals.

~CrazySnakeLady

Very cool, I may have to check it out, thanks!
... a tricolor hog would work too, and shouldn't be protected here

This is the reason I thought rear-fanged might be illegal in Illinois:
http://www.narbc.com/htm2006/tp_vendor_info.htm

The big Tinley Park show here has in its vendor rules
"Absolutely NO venomous: NO rear-fanged: No surgically altered: NO venomous animals of any kind. Anyone that has a venomous animal (including the parking lot, hotel or show building) will be prosecuted - it's against the law to possess or sell venomous reptiles in Illinois."

As much as I like hoggies I'd rather not own any illegally. I've had a hard time finding the exact laws that say one way or another, but I imagine this show is informed. I won't be in Illinois forever, I can wait if they're illegal here!

Western Hognose snakes are protected in Illinois. They have a very limited range in that state. So, hobbyists are not allowed to keep or breed, sell or barter western hognoses.
Eastern Hognose are very common, but the state of Illinois, also has a law regarding native animals. You have to obtain a permit to collect, sell, barter any repitle that could be native to the state, regardless of it being common.
If you would like more information, please email me at thebigsquease@aol.com and I will provide you with some contact telephone numbers to that state's Fish and Wildlife offices.

Adie,
If you want to email me at Scott.Ballard@illinois.gov, I can give you the information you need re. keeping hognose snakes in Illinois.

Thanks,
Scott

I was going to suggest that you contact Scott Ballard for direct answers to any questions re. any and all herps in Illinois, but I see he beat me to it! Scott is a class act Adie and will point you out in the right directions.

-Riley