May 23, 2012 Cincinnati, OH Police made an unexpected discovery when they served a search warrant. In addition to finding 9 pounds of marijuana, police discovered two 4-foot long alligators in a home-made pond in the basement of the residence. Officers arrested Levon McCants on charges of drug trafficking, drug possession and possession of exotic animals. Reptiles
May 23, 2012 San Diego, CA A pilot whale named Sully died at SeaWorld San Diego. Although SeaWorld has not yet given the official cause of death, it was reported earlier that Sully began having issues with sunburn, a common concern for marine mammals in captivity. Marine
May 23, 2012 Atlanta, GA A baby Beluga calf born just days ago at the Georgia Aquarium has died. The cause of death was unexplained. The calf was significantly underweight as well as other medical issues. Marine
May 22, 2012 Hillsborough, NJ A large ball python was found on a sewer grate after a 911 call was made about the animal. The 5-foot long snake ws transported to police headquarters after being picked up by local animal control. The snake was likely released by an owner who no longer wanted it. Reptiles
May 22, 2012 Albuquerque, NM An animal control officer turned in a baby alligator that he owned. Although it is illegal for the general public to own an alligator in New Mexico, the officer will not be disciplined as he was relatively new to his job and he turned the animal in voluntarily. It was unclear where the officer obtained the alligator. Reptiles
May 21, 2012 St. Petersburg, FL Someone threw a 6-foot boa constrictor and a terrier mix into a trash bin. When authorities arrived at the dumpster, they found the two animals amidst a lot of blood. It was later discovered that the boa’s skull had been crushed. The dog was unhurt. The snake later died of its injuries. Reptiles
May 14, 2012 Broward County, FL A professional snake handler in Broward County is recoving from a cobra bite suffered during a live show at a Miccosukee Indian Tribe facility. The femal henalder was bitten by an Indian Cobra, approximately 3-feet long, and considered among the deadliest snakes in the world. The snake handler is recovering. Reptiles
May 11, 2012 Dexter, IA Officials are investigating a report that a child was scratched by a monkey at a day care center. The Capuchin monkey named Charlie is a kept as a “pet” at the daycare. Although the owners state that the primate has a good bill of health, the child was taken to the hospital to undergo rabies shots. Primates
May 10, 2012 Cleveland, SC Eight venomous snakes were found living in a home amongst 3-year old and 2-month old children. Investigators determined that the parents did not have the license, nor the proper housing, to possess the snakes which placed the children in danger. Arrest warrants were obtained for the unlawful neglect of a child and the parents were placed under arrest. They both face up to 20 years imprisonment if found guilty. Reptiles
May 9, 2012 Hyde Park, NY A 5-foot-6 Burmese Python was recovered from the parking lot a pizzaria in Hyde Park. Officials speculate the snake was dumped by its guardian. The python will be taken to the Bronx Zoo. Reptiles