The city of West Fargo, North Dakota voted on July 16 to uphold its local ordinance banning constricting snakes and other exotic animals. This decision came after resident Robert Butts III requested a change to allow constricting snakes as pets within the city. Butts III owns an 8-foot Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) and a 4-foot mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblochi).
According to the West Fargo Pioneer, city commissioners voted 3-1 against amending the ordinance, which prohibits constricting snakes and any poisonous, venomous, constricting, or inherently dangerous reptiles or amphibians. This includes species such as rattlesnakes, boa constrictors, pit vipers, crocodiles, and alligators. Butts argued that the ordinance has gray areas and noted that neighboring cities like Fargo and Moorhead do not restrict constricting snakes. The city became aware of Butts’ Burmese python after he took it to a local park to let it slither in the grass and bask in the sun. Park visitors expressed concern, spoke with Butts, and eventually contacted the police, who informed him that keeping the python was not permitted in West Fargo. Burmese pythons and other constricting snakes remain banned in West Fargo, North Dakota. The Burmese python is a large constricting snake capable of growing over 20 feet in the wild. Native to Burma and Southeast Asia, it is often described by keepers as a gentle giant due to its passive demeanor. However, it is an invasive species in the Florida Everglades, and its importation and interstate transportation are banned by the U.S. government.
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