Corn Snakes Illegal in GA...what else for a beginner?

[ScottK]

I was all set to buy a corn snake--my first pet snake--and then I found out that it is illegal in my home state of Georgia to possess a corn snake...even for albinos (or actually any kind of reptile or amphibian native to GA).

http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=6&txtPage=2

What are some other good beginner snakes, keeping in mind that it cannot be one of the following species native to GA:

* Black Racer
* Brown Snake
* Coachwhip
* Corn Snake
* Crayfish Snake (Glossy, Striped)
* Crowned Snake (Southeastern, Central Florida)
* Earth Snake (Rough, Smooth)
* Garter Snake
* Hognose Snake (Eastern, Southern)
* Indigo Snake
* Kingsnake (Black, Eastern, Mole, Scarlet)
* Milksnake
* Mud Snake
* Pine Snake (Florida, Northern)
* Pine Woods Snake
* Queen Snake
* Rainbow Snake
* Rat Snake (Black, Gray, Yellow)
* Redbellied Snake
* Ribbon Snake
* Ringneck Snake
* Rough Green Snake
* Scarlet Snake
* Water Snake (Banded, Brown, Florida Green, Northern, Redbelly)
* Worm Snake

[wcreptiles]

How about a Black Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum gaigeae) they come from Costa Rica and Panama. They are easy to take care of and very interesting animals.

http://milksnakes.com/encyclopedia/gaigeae.htm

http://www.vpi.com/8VPICareSheets/Colubrids/blackmilksnake/BlackMilksnake1.htm

[rrrrr]

There are a TON of kingsnakes and milksnakes that are not native to GA that would make good starters. Mexican black kings, honduran milks, and grey-banded kings are a few of my favorites. There are so many, and it's such a personal thing. I think a nice Honduran milk is your best bet. :) I also like Thai green curry if you're wondering what to have for supper.

[ScottK]

That looks promising. I had considered some kind of milksnake. I have, however, recently learned that Emory Rat Snakes (a close relative to the Corn Snake...some consider it a separate species and others a sub-species) ARE legal in Georgia. I hear they're slightly more agressive than corns, but very similar. So I'm looking into those, too. Thanks!

[ScottK]

I decided to go with the Emory's Rat Snake. These are both 2005 born het for amel females...looking for an albino male.

http://www.uglyhead.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/IMG_3841.jpg

http://www.uglyhead.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/IMG_3868.jpg

http://www.uglyhead.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/05/IMG_3866.jpg