An investigation was started by the escape of a monocled cobra 8 weeks ago.
Authorities in Thousand Oaks, CA have seized eight American alligators and numerous venomous and non-venomous snakes and some lizards from a home in this city north of Los Angeles.
Animal control officers were tipped off that the owner of the reptiles, who holds a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Restricted Special Holder permit, apparently violated the conditions of the permit.
Gary Pentis/Ventura Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Eight American alligators were confiscated from a home in Thousand Oaks, CA.
"It appears that, despite the multiple levels of permits, approvals, and periodic inspections required, the permit holder was housing deadly venomous snakes in an unauthorized, densely populated, residential neighborhood, and in such a manner that they posed a substantial risk to public safety," the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control stated in a news release.
Authorities began a criminal investigation after a monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) was spotted in the neighborhood eight weeks ago for the second time in three years, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Gary Pentis/Ventura Co. Sheriff's Dept.
Mexican beaded lizards were confiscated on the property.
The neighbor who spotted the snake ran it over, killing it, Don Barre, a spokeswoman for the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control told the Los Angeles Times.
Search warrants were served on the property where investigators found the alligators in a murky pool. Venomous and non-venomous snakes were also found on the property as well as several Mexican beaded lizards (Heloderma horridum). There were no reported arrests.
