November 4, 2012 West Springfield, MA A man used his pet python to beat his girlfriend, then killed the snake by throwing it into the hot tub. Reptiles
October 29, 2012 Unknown, OH An 8-foot python was discovered in an Ohio field by a local farmer while plowing. It wasn’t until the farmer ran over the snake with the plow and killed it that he recognized the object as a snake. It is believed that the snake was someone’s former pet that had been set loose. Reptiles
October 27, 2012 Brainerd, MN Kevin Vogel, who operates Safari North Wildlife Park with his wife, was transporting a Syrian bear from his business’ headquarters to the wildlife park when it “escaped from a kennel-type enclosure with a faulty latch” at a restaurant in Clearwater, according to a USDA-APHIS report. The animal “encountered people in the parking lot of the restaurant” before its capture, but no one was injured. The bear was then taken to an animal hospital and rehabilitation facility. Vogel was fined $1,357. Bears
October 25, 2012 Longview, WA A popular reptile road show attraction burned down and killed about 75 reptiles, spiders and amphibians. Only 25 of approximately 100 exotic reptiles, amphibians and spiders survivied the blaze. ReptilesOther
October 22, 2012 Cobleskill, NY A Columbia Redtail Boa, a South African Boa, and a python were found abandoned in a home, along with two dogs. Reptiles
October 21, 2012 Bradenton, FL A woman taking out her trash found an 8-foot long boa in nearby bushes. FL Fish and Wildlife contacted the owner and is investigating whether or not the snake was properly caged. The owner could be facing misdeameanor charges. Reptiles
October 21, 2012 Lake Ronkonkoma, NY A 3-foot long alligator was found in a park on Long Island. The alligator was found in an area where children play in Lilly Pond County Park. Also found recently in nearby areas were other alligators, a Boa constrictor, a rattlesnake, and an iguana. It is believed that someone was setting these animals loose. Reptiles
October 19, 2012 Easton, MD Easton police have captured a 4-feet long ball python that was sunbathing on a bridge. Police believe tha the snake either escaped or was released by a former owner. Reptiles
October 19, 2012 Kansas City, MO The federal government fined the Kansas City Zoo more than $4,500 after one of its chimpanzees literally straved to death because of zookeeper failures. Zoo officials admitted that they failed to provide adequate care for the chimp that died. Primates
October 16, 2012 Portland, OR A large 4-foot long boa constrictor was found slithering around a northeast Portland backyard. The snake was captured and taken to animal control. It is believed that the snake is a pet that was dumped or escaped. Reptiles