(MENAFN) Police in Aliquippa, which is about 30 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, were called to a home on Tuesday after a 911 call for an unresponsive man. Upon arrival, officials discovered the body of a 23-year-old man, but the cause of his death is currently unknown. More than 150 reptiles, including 60 venomous snakes and an alligator, were also found in the home.
Among the venomous snakes found were cobras, rattlesnakes, and black mambas. A 3-year-old girl in a high chair was also discovered near a venomous snake inside the home. The Office of Children, Youth, and Families was called to the scene to assist with the situation.
The four adults and child found in the home are from Ohio, Tennessee, and Colorado and had recently moved in to sell the reptiles as part of their business. According to Jim Bologna, a code enforcement officer, the group had only recently moved to the area in the last two months.
The reptiles were moved to an exotic pet store that works with the Beaver County Humane Society. The people renting the home were allowed to stay but may face fines for breaking city code. The landlord was contacted by CBS Pittsburgh but did not respond.
The discovery of over 150 reptiles, including 60 venomous snakes and an alligator, in a home in western Pennsylvania raises concerns about the safety of keeping exotic animals as pets. The presence of a 3-year-old child in the home near venomous snakes highlights the potential dangers of such animals. The officials' discovery of the reptiles and the child's presence led to the Office of Children, Youth, and Families being called to the scene to assist with the situation.
The group found in the home had recently moved to the area to sell the reptiles as part of their business. While the group was allowed to stay, they may face fines for breaking city code. The reptiles were safely moved to an exotic pet store, but questions remain about the safety and legality of keeping exotic animals as pets.
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