Local NewsPets & Animals

Rattlesnakes receive new state regulations around wrangling and commercial uses

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email October 1, 2026

The California Fish and Game Commission is updating their regulations for commercial rattlesnake wrangling and exhibition.

Rattlesnakes, though venomous, are very frequently used for commercial purposes. That means they featured in film or television or used in safe-handling and dog-aversion courses. 

The State of California proposed new and amended regulations to protect commercially used rattlesnakes. That includes care, housing, handling and safety standards. The state will be able to inspect facilities where rattlesnakes are kept, and limit the number of rattlesnakes housed in a single facility. The state also wants to update the application process for rattlesnake handlers permits.

The changes on the whole are designed to “establish a legal framework to permit the commercial exhibition of California native rattlesnakes.”

A public hearing on the new regulations will be heard on October 13 in Sacramento. However the Commission wants your feedback. You can find a link to the full proposal as well as instructions on how you can weigh in at this link: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=247307&inline

Jef Harmatz Jef Harmatz Send an email October 1, 2026
Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz is the co-host of Z107.7’s “Morning Show with Cody and Jef” and Z107.7’s News Director. He has worked as a journalist, cartoonist, chef, and delivery driver. He is known nationally for his writing and comics in publications like TimeOut, Popula, Roadtrippers, Solrad and Spiralbound, and for his album covers for Third Eye Blind and Sir Sly. He is known locally for his pop-up barbecue restaurant Hot Dog Panic. He remains unknown in the field of beekeeping, because he is too afraid of being stung to try it. When not on the radio, he draws comics and self-publishes little books. He lives with his partner and his dog Sunday in Yucca Valley, where he cooks them both elaborate meals.