Snakes and Crocodilians at Home
G.S. 14-417 — venomous reptiles, big pythons and crocodilians, locked and labeled
State law does not ban these animals; it requires how they are kept. No one may own, possess, use, transport or traffic in a venomous reptile that is not in a sturdy, secure enclosure that is escape proof, bite proof and locked. Each enclosure is labeled Venomous Reptile Inside, with the species, the antivenin and the owner, and a written bite protocol and escape plan sit in sight of it.
Who handles this in North Carolina: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the North Carolina directory.
The same goes for the large constricting snakes the law names, the reticulated, Burmese, African rock and amethystine pythons and the green anaconda, and for every crocodilian except the American alligator, which also needs a fence strong enough to keep observers from contact.
An escape is reported at once. If one gets out, the owner or possessor notifies local law enforcement immediately.
Big cats, bears and primates are left to local ordinances in this state, and those differ county by county. Whether a particular animal is allowed where you live is a question for local animal control or a licensed North Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (3)
- G.S. 14-417 — Regulation of ownership or use of venomous reptiles
- G.S. 14-417.1 — Regulation of large constricting snakes
- G.S. 14-417.2 — Regulation of crocodilians
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.