Is it ok to put California King Snakes in the yard

[dragonfly]

I was hoping that the rattlesnakes would be hibernating by now but I saw one in my yard today that was approximately 12-18” long. I put my hand right next to it. I realize that they were here first, but I have read that California King Snakes are non-poisonous and they eat rattlesnakes. Do you think that it would be ok to buy California Kingsnakes, since they are a native snake and put them in the backyard to keep the rattlesnakes away? I think that we have too many rattlesnakes in this area. California kingsnakes are the only snakes that can eat rattlesnakes and be immune to its venom.

I found a couple for sale at: www.reptileauctions.com/categories.php?start=15&parent=1882&orderField=enddate&orderType=ASC


market.kingsnake.com/index.php?index.html

www.faunaclassifieds.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=0c718547fdb70cfbb009af265f8af0dd&&f=13

A king snake will cost anywhere from $30-100, and the shipping will be another $40 or so.

One other option: reptile shows in your area. There are usually lots of sellers with kingsnakes at reptile shows.

I have heard that PetCo has them for $50

www.qeok.com/reptiles/407-qeok.html

www.qeok.com/reptiles/3531-qeok.html

[dragonfly]

Reptiles Shows:
www.irba.com/
www.geckosetc.com/htm/shows.htm

There is one Dec 9th-10th in Pomona

[circamc]

You might want to check Calif. Fish & Game Codes, which regulate what can and can't be done regarding reptiles. It might not be legal to "transplant" even a native species to a new location, as that is essentially what you would be doing. Personally, I think you could do it and no one would be the wiser.

More importantly, anytime you find a rattlesnake in or around your property you should KILL IT. Believe me, this is perfectly legal, and is the surest way to reduce the population of these dangerous critters. A regular shovel does a fine job.