Kennett Fire Fighters rescued several Alligators, Turtles and snakes from a burning truck. The truck belonged to Ken Henderson “The Alligator Man” When fire fighters arrived Ken was attempting to unload the truck and sustained burns in the process. All the animals survived and were turned over to the Humane Society. I cant help but to cringe that the HS has the animals and I honestly hope Ken gets them back. The kind of love it take to rescue your animals from a burning vehicle is the kind only found in a real reptile enthusiast. Unfortunately here at DRN we know how it works and in short order would expect the HS the attempt to levy regulations, more than they already are.
Category Archives: U.S. News
Florida Pythons recovering?
According to biologists the Pythons in Florida are recovering. Some of them expected a 50%-60% decrease in population after the cold snap in Jan 2010 but they are now saying that only 10% of the invasive snake succumbed to the cold. One cant help but wander if this is just a ploy to help them push the new ban HR511 through. Look out boys and girls, looks like they are setting up for a long fight.
Crocodile found in home
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
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.
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.
Donate cameras to save wildlife.
Reptile & Amphibian Ecology International – says the donated gear is vitally important because such equipment isn’t readily available in many areas. “Biologists and others working in impoverished regions often don’t have the resources they need to work effectively – and this program could put cameras and other crucial tools in their hands,” The donation of equipment is very important for a lot of organizations and this is your chance to make a difference on something that directly effects our hobby so if you have any old Cameras or other equipment Get in touch with Reptile & Amphibian Ecology International today.