April 4, 2012 Topeka, KS A zebra was spotted along an interstate. The zebra had escaped from a rancher, who later came to retrieve it. Other
April 4, 2012 Sonoma County, CA An animal handler working for Safari West was gored by a Cape buffalo when she went to retrieve the animal from a neighboring field. Some Black Angus cattle broke through a gate into the buffalo enclosure, and when they wandered back, one of the Cape buffalo followed. The handler is said to be recovering. Other
March 31, 2012 Carlsbad, NM Animal control officers were called to report that an 8-9 foot long boa escaped it aquarium over the weekend. The snake has not been located. Reptiles
March 29, 2012 Naples, FL A Florida Forest Ranger caught and killed a 15-foot python Picayune State Forest. Pythons are non-native to Florida and have been propogating from pet snakes released by owners. Reptiles
March 28, 2012 York County, PA A python that had been shot and stabbed was found by the Susquehanna River in York County. A good Samaritan found tried to rescue it by taking it to the veterinarian, but the snake died of it’s injuries. The snake is believed to have been dumped by an owner that no longer wanted it. Reptiles
March 27, 2012 Lowell, MA A 4-month old marmoset monkey was confiscated by State officials. Private ownership of primates is illegal in Massachusettes. The monkey was bought in a pet store in Florida and brought back to Massachusettes. Primates
March 25, 2012 Presque Isle State Park, PA A 2-1/2 feet long ball python captured at Presque Isle State Park has died. The snake was most likely a pet that was no longer wanted and dumped. The snake most likely died of respiratory complications from exposure. Reptiles
March 23, 2012 Albuquerque, NM Animal control officials confiscated 31 venomous snakes, 2 tarantulas 2 black widows and about 10 scorpions from an Albuquerque apartment. The collection of snakes included several cobras. The owner did not have proper permits required to keep the animals. Reptiles
March 23, 2012 Coon Rapids, MN A man was found with several species of pythons and boa restrictors, which are illegal in Minnosota. The city is working with the man. Reptiles
March 22, 2012 Levy County, FL Several complaints were made by citizens after three monkeys were spotted gallivanting around the east side of Levy County. The monkeys had been eating the local’s pet food and tearing up carports. Although the sheriff’s office had received several reports of monkey sightings, the monkeys have not been aggressive towards people. Primates