Exotic Incident #2555
Incident Date:
07/15/2015
Location:
Minneapolis, MN - USA
Facility Name:
Facility Type:
Exotic Pet (E)
Incident Category:
Escape/Attack resulting in human injury (HI)
Species:
Reptiles
Animal:
Mangshan viper, lizard
Animal disposition:
Removed/Re-housed
Summary:
A man named Nathan Tow-Arnett was bitten on the forearm by his pet Mangshan viper. He survived, but it prompted a police investigation because owning venomous snakes is illegal in Minneapolis. Police found 22 snake eggs, 15 snakes (including 2 diamondback rattlers), 22 lizards, and many domestic cats in unsanitary conditions. 18 of those eggs – 13 of them vipers – later hatched at an animal control facility. The snakes are now living at Reptile Gardens zoo.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes:
http://www.startribune.com/snakes-slither-to-center-of-minneapolis-court-battle/386391081/