May 8, 2013 Elm Springs, AR A volunteer for the Arkansas Wildlife Rehabilitators had her mountain lion confiscated who she was keeping in her back yard. It is illegal to own big cats in Elm Springs. Big Cats
May 6, 2013 Atchison, KS A man is in custody after a tiger, two mountain lions, three bobcats, two lynx, a serval, and two skunks were found in negligent conditions. The man became combative during the seizure and authorities found methamphetamines on the property. All of the seized animals found homes in sanctuaries in Texas, Florida and Kansas. Big CatsSmall CatsOther
May 6, 2013 Calhan, CO According to a citation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, zookeepers failed to provide veterinary care to a tiger (Baxter) who was exhibiting a pronounced limp in his right hind leg. That leg was visibly swollen and non-weight-bearing, resulting in Baxter walking in a hopping manner and then falling to the ground. Big Cats
April 28, 2013 Cottonwood Heights, UT A Utah man has been ordered by police to get rid of all but one of his 29 exotic boa contrictors due to not having an exotic pet permit. City ordinance allows one snake per person unless an exotic permit is obtained. Police issued the man a ticket for failing to have a license and gave him seven days to relocate the snakes. Reptiles
April 20, 2013 Salina, KS A tiger briefly escaped in the backstage area during a circus performance. No one was hurt and the tiger was corralled after an encounter with a woman in a bathroom. Big Cats
April 18, 2013 Torrance, CA Several snakes were let loose onto a Torrance Little League field. While none of the snakes were poisonous, they were all constrictors that could endanger small pets. Not all the snakes were able to be rounded up. Police believe someone had hand-raised them for several years before dumping them. Reptiles
April 17, 2013 Tampa, FL A 5-foot long boa constrictor was found in the engine compartment of a Super Shuttle at the Tampa International Airport. The snake was caught and will be adopted by a Tampa Fire Rescue officer that rescued it from the car. Authorities believe the snake is a former pet. Reptiles
April 17, 2013 Waco, TX A man charged in the knifepoint theft of four snakes from a Waco pet store was indicted and charged with aggravated robbery. Reptiles
April 17, 2013 Bonita Springs, FL A 58-year old man cut the locks on the animal cages, including a mountain lion and alligators, at Everglades Wonder Gardens. A worker was able to contain most of the animals before anything happened. The same worker was able to tackle the man who cut the locks and held him until authorities arrived. One deer did escape and was killed by a motorist. Big CatsReptilesOther
April 16, 2013 Olympia, WA An illegal hybrid diamond back rattlesnake was seized from an apartment in Olympia. The owner may face a civil fine. Reptiles