Florida may restrict private ownership of venomous snakes

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Following the escape of two cobras last year Florida may restrict who can own venomous snakes.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Saturday (http://bit.ly/2aF2iC4 ) that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission may enact new regulations on private ownership of snakes such as cobras or vipers. Florida is also home to six types of venomous snakes including rattlesnakes and coral snakes.

The newspaper said that state records show that there are 257 individuals, businesses and non-profit organizations that have state permits that allow them to keep venomous snakes.

The commission is considering restrictions ranging from an outright ban on owning non-native venomous snakes to stricter rules on caging and handling. Current owners would be allowed to keep their snakes.

Commission staff are scheduled to present draft rules to the commission in September.