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Category Archives: Snakes

Man hospitalized after pet venomoid Cobra bite.

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25 year old Eric Bortz Was hospitalized after being bitten by a pet Cobra of which he was told the venom sacks had been removed. After the bite he called the seller to confirm the sack were removed but it was soon apparent that he had in fact been envenomated. Other than a Cobra he also kept a Copperhead and a Timber Rattle Snake at the house “There’s no way a cobra would be legal in New Jersey,’’ said Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state Division of Fish and Wildlife. At last report Eric was in Critical Condition.

Lost Rock Python found after 2 years on the lamb

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Manny people I am sure have heard of the 14′ long Rock Python found in Florida. Well the owner has been found but apparently may not be able to afford to get the snake back. Lucky for the animal and everyone involved the owner followed the law and had the snake micro chipped and that microchip led authorizes back to the Tarpon Springs Aquarium where owner Scott Konger tells a tale of his Rock Python that got out nearly 2 years ago. Scott however may be ditching the snake as he says to get it back he will have to secure a permit and pay $50 per day for the shelter which could add up to $500-$1,000 if the permit process takes a long time. Scott says “That is too steep for him in this economy” And that my friends is the blow that broke the camels back as far as I am concerned. Scott says he thinks someone opened the enclosure holding the Alligator and snake, when he got there the Alligator was still there but the snake was gone so here are my questions
#1- Were you housing an Alligator and Rock Python together or was there a divider and simply one door that opened both enclosures?
#2- If yes why?
#3-Why were there not locks in place?
#4- if there were why was there no surveillance?
#5- Where were the people that were suppose to be there to ensure that these animals stayed safe themselves and also stayed out of our eco system?
As far as I feel now if you are not willing to cover the cost to get YOUR animal back that YOUR lack of education and or security and or ignorance caused to get out in the first place then YOU should NOT be able to keep said animals anymore case closed. Am I wrong here people?

Florida FWC using Craigs List now

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I you internet crime people thought you were safe think again. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission since the beginning of January has been using Craigs list, posing as interested buyers to bust people not following their animal laws. Keep in mind even if you are not violating Florida laws it is agents the TOS to sell animals on CL anyway.

Could King Cobras be on their way out?

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Researchers say that massive deforestation as well as illegal liqor brewing are forcing King Cobras out of their natural habitat and into near by villages. A study conducted by the researchers of the Department of Zoology, University of Kerala, and the Reptile Study Group, Thiruvananthapuram said that out of 26 sightings, nearly all were from bathrooms or yards around a house. They go on to say this is worrisome as King Cobras normally never venture on to property in or near where people live. Not only are the Cobras in danger but people as well as a King Cobra can deliver as much as 600mg of deadly venom with a single bite.

Copperhead kills man

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Police and state wildlife officials are investigating the death of a 26 year old man from Tennessee after he was bitten by a Copperhead. He apparently as trying to sex the snake which a friend brought over and was bitten just above the right elbow. EMS staff preformed CPR when they arrived but he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

“UPDATE”

Apparently police have question and are still investigating the circumstances including the length of time it took the friend to call for help. Wildlife officials also stated that copperheads are not legal to keep in Tennessee and charges may be filed.

A herpetologist also noted that Copperhead bites rarely kill people and are actually considered mild mites.

DRN spoke to a friend of the family who stated that he did not keep venomous snakes and was not trained in the proper handling procedures for them.