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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/reptile-hawaii-snakes-illegal

In which US state is it illegal to possess a pet snake?

Hawaii. Snakes are illegal to bring in or keep there.

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  1. Hawaii ✔
  2. Texas
  3. Arizona

Why: Snakes have no natural predators in Hawaii. They could harm native birds, so Hawaii makes it illegal to transport or possess them. The state provides an amnesty option for surrendering illegal animals.

Huh, didn't know that: Hawaii's amnesty program lets owners turn in illegal animals with no charges or fines if they do it before an investigation starts.

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What is a snake's favorite island dance? The hula-hiss.
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References

Answer: Hawaii. Snakes have no natural predators in Hawaii. They could harm native birds, so Hawaii makes it illegal to transport or possess them. The state provides an amnesty option for surrendering illegal animals.

  1. News release on snake found in Waipahu (Hawaii Department of Agriculture, via Office of the Governor, April 2024) governor.hawaii.gov/?p=4845
    Snakes are illegal to transport and possess in Hawai'i.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. News release on snake found in Waipahu (Hawaii Department of Agriculture, via Office of the Governor, April 2024) governor.hawaii.gov/?p=4845
    Snakes and large reptiles have no natural predators in Hawai'i
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. Amnesty Program (Hawaii Department of Agriculture) dab.hawaii.gov/pi/pq/amnesty-program-2
    No penalties will be assessed if a person voluntarily turns in a prohibited species before an investigation is initiated.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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