An Orange man got in some hot water after police, working on a tip found him in possession of a fresh water crocodile in a fish tank. The mane claims his friend, who he only knows by “James” left the animal at his house and that he had tried to report it to the RSPCA but said that representatives of the RSPCA did not believe him when he called. The Crocodile was turned over to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and its believed it will be homed in a wildlife park somewhere.
Its almost Rattlesnake time again
Summer of 2006. Photo taken by local reptile enthusiast Jason White.
For those of you out west the sun has been shining and the cold blooded creatures are about to wake up. Rattlesnakes are a very common sight in our area as many of the locals know. I know for a lot of people this is going to get a double take but they are beautiful, harmless creatures. They are more afraid of you than you are of them and all they want is to stay away from you. The majority of encounters that turn bad are because of someone ether cornering the snake or worse, trying to pick it up. We are fortunate enough to have an article written by author John F Taylor on the common misconception of Rattle Snakes. I encourage everyone to read and enjoy it. John’s article is both eye opening and inspiring for anyone including seasoned reptile enthusiasts. It cane be found on the Daily Reptile News Educational Articles Section.
Ball Python arrested.
32yo Xavier Blaze apparently used his baby Ball Python to threaten Police as they tried question him about noise at his home. They report that he had it around his neck and waved it in their faces. Base, a former solder has a history of mental illness for which he is seeking help for. Sentencing has been delayed until next month. I wander if the Python will get probation, what do you think?
Australian man KO’s Croc.
At about 6.30pm (AEST) yesterday it was reported that a man swimming in Beening Creek when he was attacked by a Crocodile and fending off the Croc by punching it in the head. He sustained wounds to his hand and wrist that were not life threatening according to police. The Department of Environment and Resource Management is currently investigating.
Officer FIRED! over Cobra pictures
Animal Control Officer Rich DuBarton was fired Friday for releasing pictures and the video you see above to the media. “I guess he didn’t like someone stealing his thunder,” Said DuBarton about the incident. He was yelled at over the phone for releasing the picture and then on Friday received a termination letter listing no reason for the termination. He also claims that Carol Wagner director of the Health dept told officers last year not to warn resident about 5 cases of rabies. DuBarton also said “I’m an animal control officer,” DuBarton said. “I’m supposed to educate the public. No one ever told me I wasn’t allowed to.” He is also a certified police K9 instructor and Animal Control Officer for Bergen County.
Florida “No more funding for gater meat program”
The state of Florida is set to cut funding for there Alligator meat marketing program in an effort to close a rather large budget gap. The Alligator programs main goal was “determining distribution channels for sales of alligator products,” and helping Florida alligator farmers compete on the international market.