State wildlife officers seized several venomous reptiles and arrested a 20-year-old Sarasota man they say was illegally keeping them.
Nick Mitchell was charged with unlawful possession of seven venomous reptiles and several other violations related to the care, keeping and labeling of his animals. Each violation is a misdemeanor charge and punishable by up to $500 in fines and 60 days in jail.
The animals, including a gila monster, monocled cobra, rhino viper, dusky pygmy rattlesnake, black neck spitting cobra and two banded cobras, were placed at a local licensed facility, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission.
“Removing these reptiles was important to protect public safety and the well-being of the animals,” said Capt. Leandro Isambert, a supervisor in the FWC’s Southwest Regional office. “There are important captive wildlife rules that need to be followed, particularly where venomous reptiles are concerned. We’re fortunate no one was hurt and we were able to get them to a safe facility where they will be well cared for.”
In a separate event, the FWC said, a Fort Myers man was taken to the hospital Saturday after he was bitten by a coral snake that he was keeping as a pet. He did not have any licenses to possess this snake, and the FWC is investigating.