Can I Keep Venomous Snakes in Arkansas?

Any animal that can pose a danger to the public or spread illness to domestic pets or farm animals may be prohibited by law. In some states, permits are required for certain venomous species or native wildlife. In the state of Arkansas, exotic venomous snakes and native venomous snakes can be kept as pets.

  1. Native Snakes

    • In many parts of North America, possessing native species is against the law regardless of whether they are venomous or not, because these species are often collected from the wild and this action can reduce local populations. Venomous snakes that are native to the state of Arkansas are southern copperheads, western cottonmouths, western diamond-back rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes, western pigmy rattlesnakes and Texas coral snakes. All of these snakes may be kept in Arkansas as pets.

    Illegal Animals

    • In Arkansas, keeping any species of reptile, even if venomous, is legal. Animals that cannot be kept as pets in Arkansas only include large carnivores, which include lions, tigers and bears.

    Paperwork

    • If a person in Arkansas wants to keep a venomous snake that is native to another state, he will have to prove that the animal was acquired legally in that state if asked. This may involve obtaining paperwork and receipts from the seller or an accredited organization like a zoo or aquarium.

    Warning

    • Venomous snake bites kill about 21 people annually in the United States, according to the University of Arkansas. More than 8,000 venomous snake bites occur every year in the country, which can result in hospitalization, gangrene, the loss of limbs and other health problems. Only experienced snake keepers should handle venomous snakes, and never with bare hands. Special tubes and hooks are available for working with venomous snakes, as well as emergency anti-venin.