September 7, 2012 Paso Robles, CA A Javan macaque kept illegally as a pet in Paso Robles bit a woman caring for it causing severe injuries on her arm and finger. The macaque is believed to belong to the woman’s boyfriend. The macaque was kept in a small dog crate inside the couple’s trailer and was being fed Frosted Flakes. California Fish and Game is handling the investigation and the owner could be charged with unlawful possession of a restricted species. The macaque has been taken into quarantine for 60 days. Primates
September 5, 2012 Roanoke, VA An 8-foot, 60-pound pet python went missing from a residence and has not been found. Reptiles
September 2, 2012 Tucson, AZ Snow, the popular polar bear who was half of the oe-time Denver Zoo brother-sister duo of Klondike and Snow, died at the Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo of unknown causes. The park administrator said she was fine the day before and seemed to have died in her sleep. Snow had been at the Tucson Zoo since Feburary. An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause of death. Bears
September 2, 2012 Mattawan, MI An alligator was found in a window well of a residental home. The alligator seemed to have been well cared for and is believed to have been dumped by a former owner. It was taken to an exotic animal rescue facility. Reptiles
September 1, 2012 Chaska, MN A man rescued a 4-foot boa constrictor after finding it along a road. The man put the snake in the trunk of his car to transport it and the snake wedged itself in a nook in the trunk. Police officers were called to assist the man with the snake, but could not get the snake out. The man then ripped open a portion of his trunk to extricate the snake and is working with the humane society to place it. The snake is believed to be a former pet. Reptiles
August 31, 2012 Fishers, IN A 3-4 foot long pet ball python is on the loose after escaping from one of the classrooms of Fishers Junior High School. The snake has not been found. Reptiles
August 30, 2012 Lehighton, PA A 3-feet long pet ball python bit a four-year old child on the chest while she was playing with the snake. The family decapitated the snake to get it off of the child. One snake tooth was stuck on the skin. Beside the python involved in this incident, the family own three other pythons and two corn snakes. Reptiles
August 27, 2012 Tuttle, OK A teenage boy in Oklahoma wrested and caught an alligator believed to be a former pet. The teen plans to keep the alligator. Reptiles
August 24, 2012 Cherokee County, GA A 6-foot long red tail boa constrictor was found wrapped around a work van’s bumper. No one has come forward to claim the snake and is thought to have been dumped by it’s owner. Animal control officers and a deputy came out to collect the animal without incident. Reptiles
August 24, 2012 Uptown, LA A python appeared on a neighborhood yard and has taken up residence. The homeowner called several agencies, but was told the snake would not be picked up unless it was a venomous. They have put out a Craig’s List ad in hopes a snake enthusiast will respond. The snake is believed to be a former pet. Reptiles