

In executing the warrant, agents from the FBI learned that the leucistic boa constrictor had died.

Thereafter, pursuant to a mutual legal assistance treaty, federal investigators obtained a warrant authorizing the seizure of the snake and any offspring from Stone’s property in Utah. In January 2009, Jeremy Stone, a Utah-based collector, breeder and seller of reptiles, traveled to Brazil, secured possession of the snake and unlawfully returned with it back to the United States.Īfter learning that Stone was marketing snakes bred from a rare white boa, the Brazilian government requested assistance from the United States in securing the return of the leucistic boa and any offspring. Because of its rarity, Brazilian authorities housed the white boa at the Niterói Zoo, a private foundation that rescued and rehabilitated injured wild animals. The seven boa constrictors are the offspring of a rare and extremely valuable white (leucistic) boa constrictor known as “Lucy” or “Diamond Princess” that was found in the Niterói district of Rio de Janerio in 2006. Stone’s conviction in this case demonstrates our resolve to prosecute those who engage in such activities.” “The illegal wildlife trade threatens the survival of many threatened and endangered species and Mr. Stone and the recovery and repatriation of the offspring from this rare and valuable leucistic boa constrictor are due to the exceptional cooperation between the United States and Brazilian authorities,” said U.S. “The return of the precious snakes to Brazil brings to an end this years-long international saga, and serves as an example of our commitment to working with law enforcement partners in Brazil and elsewhere to combat transnational crime.” “This case exhibited many of the hallmarks that make illegal wildlife trafficking a growing international scourge, including actors motivated by greed who illegally smuggled rare and precious wildlife across international boundaries,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. No matter where you acquire your new pet, it’s a good idea to take it to the veterinarian for a check-up as soon as possible.Seven boa constrictors seized in connection with an illegal wildlife smuggling scheme have been returned to the government of Brazil, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. You may have no choice but to buy your boa from an online source but try and stick to breeders with positive reviews and health guarantees. Another option is to find local or online groups of boa enthusiasts and ask for recommendations.


The local exotics veterinarian may be familiar with a good breeder. You can find reputable snake breeders in several ways. Morphs vary widely in price but, in general, they are more expensive than normal boa constrictors. One last thing to keep in mind before buying a boa is cost, especially if you are interested in one of the morphs we just discussed. Reputable snake breeders handle their snakes early and often, so they become used to human interaction. Wild-caught snakes are more prone to stress and disease and may be hard to tame. The best choice when purchasing a boa constrictor is to buy a captive-bred boa from a reputable breeder. More information about boa constrictor care can be found here. Remember that snakes are often sold as babies, so make sure you know how large your adult boa constrictor will be and prepare accordingly. Boas are fairly low-maintenance reptiles but it’s still a good idea to know what you are getting into. Boas have a life expectancy of 20–30 years! Get familiar with the type of shelter, food, and daily care boa constrictors require. How should you prepare before getting a boa and where can you buy one?įirst, make sure you are ready for a long-term commitment. Now that you have seen that boas come in so many gorgeous colors and patterns, maybe you’re ready to take the next step and get one of your own. Things to Consider When Buying a Boa Morph This unique morph also has black eyes and a pink tongue. In this case, the Blood gene and the Salmon Hypo gene were used, as well as a pale Hog Island boa. A post shared by Mark Lindley Sunset Blood morph is a pale orange boa morph produced by carefully selective breeding.
