Owning a Venomous Snake in Wyoming: What the Law Actually Requires

Wyoming is one of the more permissive states when it comes to exotic animal ownership, but “more permissive” does not mean “anything goes.” If you are thinking about keeping a venomous snake, the legal picture is layered, involving state wildlife regulations, a state exotic animal law, federal oversight, and local ordinances that can quietly override everything above them.

Understanding exactly where you stand before acquiring a venomous snake in Wyoming is not just smart — it is the only responsible way to approach this kind of ownership. This guide walks through every legal layer you need to know, from statewide statutes to your city block.

Is It Legal to Own a Venomous Snake in Wyoming

The short answer is: it depends on the species, where it comes from, and how you intend to keep it. Wyoming does not have a blanket prohibition on all venomous snake ownership, but it does have a statute that directly addresses the issue for certain categories of animals.

One of the main laws governing exotic animal ownership in Wyoming is the Exotic Animal Ownership and Transfer Act (EOATA), passed in 2013. This act prohibits the ownership, possession, sale, and distribution of certain exotic animals, including big cats, bears, non-human primates, and venomous reptiles. That last category is significant: venomous reptiles are explicitly named alongside the most dangerous exotic animals in the state.

The EOATA also requires permits for individuals or facilities that possess dangerous exotic animals for exhibition or educational purposes. So even if you qualify for an exemption, a permit is still part of the process.

Beyond the EOATA, Wyoming state law decides which wild animals require a permit and which are exempt or banned. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is the primary agency responsible for administering those decisions, and its regulations under Chapter 69 govern the importation and possession of live cold-blooded wildlife — the category that covers all snakes.

Important Note: The EOATA’s prohibition on venomous reptiles applies to private ownership. Zoos, licensed educational facilities, and permitted exhibitors operate under separate rules. If you are a private keeper, you are subject to the full weight of this statute.

It is also worth noting that federal law under the Lacey Act bans the interstate transport of listed species, and CITES permits are legally required for any international trade or movement of regulated reptiles across borders. Even if Wyoming’s state rules were more lenient, federal law forms a baseline that applies to every resident.

For a broader look at the venomous species you might encounter or consider keeping, the most venomous snakes in the US covers the range of species found across the country, many of which carry specific legal restrictions at the state level.

Native vs. Exotic Venomous Snakes: How Wyoming Treats Them Differently

One of the most important distinctions in Wyoming wildlife law is whether a species is native to the state or classified as exotic. The legal treatment of these two groups is meaningfully different, and getting this wrong is one of the most common mistakes prospective owners make.

Under Wyoming statute, “exotic species” means any wild animals, including amphibians, reptiles, mollusks, crustaceans or birds not found in a wild, free or unconfined status in Wyoming. That definition draws a clear line: if a snake species does not naturally live wild in Wyoming, it is exotic under state law, and different rules apply.

Wyoming has two native venomous snake species that most residents encounter: the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) and the midget faded rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor). There are several snake species native to Wyoming, including two species of rattlesnake. Most Wyomingites encounter prairie rattlesnakes, which are widespread throughout the Western United States. The rattlesnakes spotted near Green River are midget faded rattlesnakes, a smaller and rarer species only found in the Flaming Gorge region of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.

The midget faded rattlesnake carries its own protected status. According to the University of Wyoming’s Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, the snake is a “Species of Concern” in Wyoming, which means it has “a combination of biological factors that predispose them to decline or potential extirpation from the state.” It is protected in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah. Attempting to collect or possess one from the wild would be a violation of that protected status, regardless of any permit you might hold.

Key Insight: Native venomous snakes and exotic venomous snakes travel through different regulatory pathways in Wyoming. A captive-bred cobra imported from out of state is treated differently than a prairie rattlesnake taken from Wyoming land — though neither is straightforward to possess legally.

For exotic venomous species — cobras, mambas, vipers from Africa or Asia, or any snake not found wild in Wyoming — the EOATA’s prohibition on venomous reptiles applies most directly. Importation or possession of venomous reptiles requires a permit, and a certificate of veterinary inspection is also required prior to importation.

You can learn more about the native snake species sharing Wyoming’s landscape in our guide to types of snakes in Wyoming, and our dedicated page on venomous animals in Wyoming covers the full picture of dangerous wildlife in the state.

Permit Requirements for Owning a Venomous Snake in Wyoming

If you are pursuing legal ownership of a venomous snake in Wyoming, the permit process is the central hurdle. The WGFD administers this process under Chapter 69, its regulation governing the importation and possession of live cold-blooded wildlife.

The WGFD’s reference guide lists species that department personnel commonly ask about possessing and importing. The table indicates if possession and importation of live wildlife is allowed and if a permit is required. If a species is allowed for possession under a permit, wildlife housing restrictions and other conditions may be required prior to permit issuance and during the time frame of the permit. Each application to possess live wildlife is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

That case-by-case review is important. Wyoming does not issue blanket approvals for categories of venomous snakes. Your specific situation — the species you want, your experience level, your facility, and your intended purpose — all factor into whether the WGFD approves your application.

• Application submission: Applications are available from your local game warden and regional offices. Applications should be submitted to your local game warden or fisheries biologist for initial approval.
• Processing time: Allow a few weeks for the processing of all permit applications.
• Timing requirement: If a permit is required, it must be in possession prior to importation or possession of live wildlife.
• Record-keeping: Data provided on the records shall include dates of purchase, barter, trade or other form of acquisition; sex, species, subspecies, number of animals captured, received, transported, purchased, reared, date of sale, death or other form of disposition for each individual animal.

For scientific research or educational purposes, a different permit pathway exists. If wildlife is to be used for scientific research, education, or a special purpose that is deemed beneficial to conservation or management goals of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the wildlife may, upon approval, be possessed with a Chapter 33 permit.

All non-game wildlife used for any type of commercial use requires a Chapter 10 permit for possession. If you plan to breed, sell, or display your venomous snake commercially, a separate permit layer applies on top of the standard possession permit.

Pro Tip: Contact your local WGFD game warden before you begin the application process. Wardens can walk you through the current requirements, flag any species-specific issues, and help you avoid submitting an incomplete application — which the department will not consider.

It is also worth understanding how venomous snake handling experience factors into the broader national picture. Venomous snake permits in many states demand proof of expertise through certified training courses, detailed facility inspections showing escape-proof enclosures with proper labeling, and specialized liability insurance that most standard homeowners policies explicitly exclude. While Wyoming’s Chapter 69 does not spell out a specific hour requirement the way Florida does, demonstrating competence is a practical necessity when your application is reviewed individually.

To understand why these animals command such regulatory attention, our overview of the most venomous snakes in the world and the risks of snakebite envenoming provide useful context on the medical stakes involved.

Housing, Enclosure, and Safety Requirements in Wyoming

Even if your permit application is approved, the work is far from over. Wyoming’s Chapter 69 framework and the conditions attached to individual permits impose specific obligations around how you house and manage your venomous snake. These are not suggestions — they are conditions of your permit, and violating them puts your permit at risk.

Permit holders shall comply with all conditions of the permit issued, and any applicable Wyoming statutes, Commission regulations, federal statutes, county and municipal rules or ordinances or any other laws or covenants. That language is broad by design: your permit does not override any other legal obligation you have.

The escape-prevention standard is one of the most critical requirements. No live cold-blooded wildlife held in possession shall be abandoned, released, transferred or allowed to escape without authorization from the Department. An escaped venomous snake is not just a public safety emergency — it is a permit violation that can trigger immediate consequences.

Requirement Category	What Wyoming Expects
Enclosure security	Escape-proof construction; snake must not be able to exit under any circumstances
Veterinary inspection	Certificate of veterinary inspection required prior to importation of any venomous reptile
Record-keeping	Detailed acquisition and disposition records maintained at the holding facility
Escaped animal costs	Owner bears costs associated with capture or destruction of escaped cold-blooded wildlife
Permit compliance	All state, federal, county, and municipal rules must be followed simultaneously

Beyond Wyoming’s specific rules, industry-standard best practices for venomous snake enclosures include locked lids with secondary latches, front-opening enclosures with secure mechanisms, clear species identification labels on each enclosure, and a dedicated safe room or locked area inaccessible to children or unauthorized visitors.

There are specific laws governing the housing, feeding, and medical care of exotic animals. Owners and exhibitors must provide proof of proper training and experience in handling these animals before obtaining permits. Furthermore, Wyoming requires that all exotic animal facilities maintain proper records of their animals’ health, diet, and general welfare. Regular veterinary check-ups are also mandatory to ensure the animal’s well-being.

Common Mistake: Assuming a standard glass aquarium with a screen lid meets legal enclosure standards. For venomous snakes, purpose-built enclosures with positive-locking mechanisms are the baseline expectation, not an upgrade.

If you are researching what venomous snakes you might encounter in neighboring states or regions, our guides to venomous snakes in North America and venomous snakes in Africa can help you understand the species landscape for the animals most commonly kept by serious collectors.

Local Laws That May Apply in Wyoming

State-level approval is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Wyoming’s own regulatory framework explicitly acknowledges that local rules can add restrictions — or eliminate the possibility of ownership entirely — regardless of what the WGFD permits.

While the Department may allow the possession or importation of various wildlife species, local laws, ordinances, and covenants may apply. Additionally, the Wyoming Livestock Board, Wyoming Department of Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, counties, municipalities and subdivisions have enacted further rules and regulations pertaining to the possession of wildlife.

This is one of the most overlooked dimensions of exotic animal ownership. A state permit from the WGFD does not preempt a city ordinance that bans venomous reptiles within city limits. Even with state permits in hand, you are not done yet. City bans and local snake ordinances can add another layer of regulation — or shut down ownership entirely.

Here are the local layers you should check before acquiring any venomous snake in Wyoming:

1. County ordinances: Many Wyoming counties have animal control or public safety ordinances that address dangerous animals. Contact your county clerk or county attorney’s office to request current ordinances.
2. Municipal codes: Cities like Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Gillette may have specific language about venomous reptiles or dangerous animals. Check your city’s municipal code directly.
3. HOA and deed covenants: If you live in a planned community or subdivision, your homeowners association rules or property deed may prohibit exotic or dangerous animals entirely, regardless of what state or local government allows.
4. Wyoming Department of Health: Public display, where there is a possibility of exposure, may be regulated by the Wyoming Department of Health or federal agencies.
5. Wyoming Livestock Board: If your venomous snake situation involves any commercial or agricultural context, the Livestock Board may have jurisdiction as well.

Some types of exotic animals may be prohibited from being owned or exhibited in certain areas, such as residential areas or public parks. It is important to research and comply with these regulations before owning or exhibiting any type of exotic animal in Wyoming.

The safest approach is to contact each of these agencies directly and get written confirmation of what is and is not permitted at your specific address. Verbal assurances are not reliable when enforcement action is on the table.

Our articles on coral snakes in Wyoming and when snakes come out in Wyoming can help you understand the natural snake activity patterns in the state, which is relevant context for any local government discussions about keeping venomous species.

Penalties for Illegally Owning a Venomous Snake in Wyoming

Failing to comply with Wyoming’s venomous snake ownership laws is not a minor administrative issue. The consequences span permit revocation, animal seizure, financial penalties, and potential criminal charges — and they can compound quickly if multiple violations are involved.

Any person authorized to enforce the provisions of this act may seize and take into custody any wildlife which has been unlawfully taken or which is unlawfully in possession. For a venomous snake, seizure means the animal is removed from your care, and you bear no right to its return. Costs may include quarantine, total or partial depopulation on account of contagious diseases or parasites, or costs and expenses associated with the capture or destruction of escaped cold-blooded wildlife. Those costs fall on the owner.

In addition to the penalties imposed, any person violating this section may be required to make restitution to the state for the value of the wildlife taken in violation of this act, in an amount determined by the court based upon the recommendation of the commission.

Beyond restitution, broader wildlife law violations in Wyoming can escalate to misdemeanor charges. Violations of these laws can result in penalties and fines. Repeat or egregious violations — such as allowing a venomous snake to escape into a populated area — could attract more serious criminal attention depending on the circumstances.

Important Note: Permit violations can also result in the suspension of your privilege to possess any wildlife under WGFD jurisdiction, not just venomous snakes. A single compliance failure can close the door on all future wildlife possession permits.

Failing to stay current on rapidly changing regulations can result in permit revocations, fines, animal confiscation, and criminal charges. That last point is worth emphasizing: regulations do change. A permit that was valid last year may have new conditions this year, and it is your responsibility as the permit holder to stay current.

The consequences of non-compliance extend beyond legal penalties. An escaped venomous snake in a neighborhood creates serious public safety risks and almost certainly ends your ability to keep any regulated wildlife in Wyoming going forward. The reputational and legal damage from such an incident is difficult to recover from.

If you are interested in the broader world of snake keeping and want to understand the full spectrum of species involved in the hobby, our guides on snake names and species, the difference between venomous and poisonous snakes, and animals immune to snake venom offer useful background. For those curious about legal snake keeping more broadly, our overview of what snake farming involves and our guide to types of garter snakes — a fully legal option in Wyoming — round out the picture.

Owning a venomous snake in Wyoming is legally possible under a narrow set of circumstances, but the path requires navigating the EOATA, WGFD Chapter 69 permits, a veterinary inspection, secure housing, and a complete audit of local ordinances at the county and municipal level. Approach every layer with the same seriousness you would bring to handling the animal itself — because the legal risks, like the biological ones, are entirely real.