(Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police)
Two men are facing charges after authorities seized two anacondas and 46 venomous snakes – including a cobra and pit vipers – from a warehouse in Connecticut.
According to the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police, the search and seizure also included one water monitor lizard.
Illegal snakes found in warehouse
What we know:
Connecticut police said they searched a warehouse in Hamden following a lengthy investigation. During the search, they found 49 reptiles, including two anacondas, one water monitor lizard and 46 venomous snakes:
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- 2 Arizona Black Rattlesnakes
- 2 Black-tailed Rattlesnakes
- 5 Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnakes
- 1 Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
- 2 Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes
- 2 Neotropical Rattlesnakes
- 1 Panamint Rattlesnake
- 6 Prairie Rattlesnakes
- 4 Queretaran Dusky Rattlesnakes
- 13 Timber Rattlesnakes
- 2 Uracoan Rattlesnakes
- 2 Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes
- 1 Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Albino)
- 1 Cape Cobra
Police said they arrested Tyler Foster and the warehouse owner Brian Roman on multiple charges, including illegal possession of a wild animal without a permit and taking an endangered species.
The snakes were taken to a facility and underwent health screenings.
What they're saying:
"The recovered reptiles are considered dangerous and are prohibited to possess in Connecticut without the proper permits," police said.
What we don't know:
It’s unclear why the two men had the illegal reptiles or if they were sold on the black market.
The Source: This report includes information from the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police.