January 22, 2012 Hilo, HI An illegal ferret was captured in the parking lot of a local sports bar. A resident reported seeing the ferret emerge from a parked moped and captured the animal. The ferret was then turned over to HI Island Humane Society, who later turned the animal over to HI Dept of Agriculture. Ferrets are strictly prohibited as pets under HI law because they are potential carriers of the rabies virus. Other
January 19, 2012 Atlantic City, NJ Animal Control was called to handle a 5-foot snake that was found near a slot machine at Harrah’s Casino. Reptiles
January 18, 2012 Clay County, MN 32 Ball Pythons were found dead in a storage unit. It is believed the snakes dies of neglect. Charges against the owner is being considered. Reptiles
January 17, 2012 Brownwood, TX A 5-foot long venoumous sunset monocled cobra has been missing. The snake is owned by a 41 year old man who was recently arrested for an unrelated matter. The snake was illegally kept as a pet and the man will likely face additional charges related to owning a dangerous snake Reptiles
January 17, 2012 Enfield, NY A 6-and-a-half foot long boa constrictor was found by a homeowner doing work under his home. The homeowner coaxed the snake into a pillowcase and brought it to the local SPCA. The snake was suffering from an upper respiratory infection. Officials are looking for the guardian of the snake. Reptiles
January 10, 2012 Dalton, GA A 10-foot long, 60 pound snake, probably a boa or a python, was found dead by a man taking a walk. The snake is believed to be someone’s former pet who escaped or was dumped. Reptiles
January 9, 2012 Sharpes, FL A woman was tending to her plants when she came across a 5-foot boa constrictor. It was captured by Animal Control officers and later claimed by the woman who owned it. Reptiles
January 6, 2012 San Francisco, CA A dozen people were charged with violating wildlife laws by allegedly tring to sell a live piranha, other endangered or protected fish, birds, and items such as a polar bear pelt and sea turtle boots. Other
January 5, 2012 Harnett County, NC A 6-ft emu was spotted wandering the hills between Bunn Level and Flat Branch. No on has reported the bird missing. Other
January 4, 2012 St. Francis, WI Jeremy Loveland pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, domestic abuse and use of dangerous weapon, and police recovered 30 snakes and spiders (many of them venomous) from his home. The animals were taken to Milwaukee Animal Control. Police previously removed exotic pets from Loveland’s home in 2011 (see https://www.bornfreeusa.org/database/exo_incident.php?id=1651). ReptilesOther