Shipping via USPS...

Having been invlved in both the arachnid and reptile hobbies for some time now, I have noticed that in one hobby (arachnids) it is perfectly acceptable to ship animals via USPS. In fact, I cannot ever recall seeing any arachnid seller offer any other shipping method.

On the other hand, it is a mortal sin to ship reptiles via the USPS. My question is, why is it ok to ship a Deathstalker scorpion via the USPS, but not a Corn Snake?

I do not think that the USPS has any rules against insects but snakes they do. I do think you can ship some other animals via USPS.

Just like UPS and FedEx will say lizards are fine but not snakes.

lol

I'm pretty sure that shipping venomous animals via the USPS is not kosher.....yet it doesn't stop the whole arachnid community from doing it. I don't see the difference between a venomous arachnid and a snake, honestly....in principle, you'd think snakes (non-venomous) would be more acceptable.

USPS allows spiders, scorps, birds, lizards, and even certain size gators to be shipped but they have a ban against ALL snakes.

Makes no sense if you ask me.

I know what you mean about shipping arachnids. My bark scorpion came via USPS next day air with no problems.

They allow potentially dangerous things to be shipped but not something like a cornsnake. Go figure.

Venomous insects are not allowed...interestingly, they don't have specific wording for spiders, or arachnids in general. They do however have a few things to say about scorpions:

Live scorpions that are to be used for medical research or the manufacture of antivenin are accepted only in the continental surface mail when packaged in a double mailing container, both parts of which are closed or fastened to prevent escape of the scorpions. The inner container must be of material that cannot be punctured by the scorpions and must be plainly marked "Live Scorpions." Cushioning material must be used when necessary to prevent shifting of the inner container. The outer container must be strong enough to prevent crushing of the package or exposure of the contents during normal handling in the mail. The outer container must be plainly marked "Live Scorpions."

http://pe.usps.com/search/jsp/search...9&dtype=2#hit0

Interesting.....Why do we instantly villify people who ship snakes via USPS?

Originally Posted by DavidBeard

Interesting.....Why do we instantly villify people who ship snakes via USPS?

Because the occasional snake that gets loose makes the entire hobby look like we are a bad bunch of crooks with no regard for the law.

Every time a snake gets loose in shipping, it hits news everywhere. I don't think I've ever heard of a spider or scorpion getting loose during shipping. I'm sure it has happened, it just doesn't seem to make the news.

Originally Posted by DavidBeard

Interesting.....Why do we instantly villify people who ship snakes via USPS?

Because shipping snakes though the USPS is strictly prohibited, & violation of USPS rules is a federal offense

taken directly from the link provided above:
9.3.3 Small Cold-Blooded Animals
Small, harmless, cold-blooded animals (except snakes and turtles)
And in another section:
b. All poisonous animals except scorpions mailed for medical research purposes or for the manufacture of antivenom; all poisonous insects; all poisonous reptiles; and all types of snakes, turtles, and spiders.
(I knew spiders were prohibited - I don't know why I couldn't find them before)

Well, the entire arachnid hobby is breaking federal law then....and I don't think they really care lol.