PRESCOTT, Ariz. — A Prescott resident was criminally charged after being found with 36 venomous snakes and 4 Gila monsters, some of which were taken from the wild and then bred, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Officers with AZGFD were contacted by Prescott police and notified that several venomous reptiles were seen in a home while officers were there dealing with "another issue." AZGFD officers went to the home the next day but said no one was home. A warrant was issued to search the property and officers then found the reptiles had been removed, a statement from AZGFD said.
A few days later, the resident was found and arrested for charges of tampering with evidence and possession of restricted live wildlife. The resident then told officers where the reptiles were located.
Officers found 36 venomous snakes and four Gila monsters. The person admitted to illegally taking some from the wild and then breeding them. A few of the snakes were non-native and the person also admitted to purchasing them and bringing them into the state, which is illegal due to the threat they pose to native wildlife.
"This fact was illustrated in this case when the seized snakes started dying," the AZGFD statement said. "Tests revealed the non-native snakes carried a fungal disease that spread to the native snakes in the collection. As a result of the aggressive disease, all snakes had to be euthanized."
Some of the snakes would have been legal to possess if the person had a hunting license, but the person did not, so all of the reptiles were illegally kept, AZGFD officers said.
Criminal charges were filed and the person admitted guilt in the case. A judge fined the person $1,200. AZGFD also voted to revoke the person's hunting, fishing, and trapping privileges for five years.
The person must also pay the state $9,684.54 as a civil penalty "for the loss of the reptiles to the state."
"Our wildlife managers are dedicated to conserving and protecting the state’s wildlife and natural resources," the statement said. "This story highlights their commitment to the important role."
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