Kentucky Reptile Zoo takes in unexpected guests
by Jim Stickley, post date July 14, 2008

After an investigation that lasted nearly two years, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife seized more than 125 venomous snakes and other reptiles. Ten people have been arrested and another one cited by state conservation officers for illegal possession, importation, and buying and selling of venomous snakes and other reptiles.

Forty-four officers seized more than 125 venomous snakes and other reptiles, which included illegal western diamondback rattlesnakes, timber rattlesnakes, cottonmouth water moccasins, northern and southern copperheads, cobras, great basin rattlesnakes, a gaboon viper, a puff adder, and a 2-foot-long alligator.

All of the seized animals, except for the alligator, were taken to the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade, Kentucky. The animals range in condition from good to poor. They will remain there in quarantine and held as evidence, unavailable for public viewing, for six months. The animals that survive will then go to credited institutions, like zoos or educational facilities.

Jim Harrison, director of the non-profit institution, had this to say: "We have a bag limit in this state and some people exceed that limit.That has a big impact on conservation and the environment. For example, the timber rattlesnake takes eight to ten years to achieve sexual maturity. Something like this could wipe them out".

None of the snakes were reported to have been bagged from the Red River Gorge, which is home to timber rattlesnakes and copperheads.

Venomous snakebites are rare, and they are rarely fatal to humans. Of the 8,000 snakebite victims in the United States each year, only about 10 to 15 people die.

However, it does happen. For any snakebite, the best course of action is to get medical care as soon as possible.

For directions to Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester, an acute care hospital that is familiar with treating snakebite patients from the Gorge, visit RRGtoday.com's Emergencies page.

To learn how to identify the only two kinds of venomous snakes that are indigenous to the Gorge, how to avoid getting bitten, and what to do if it happens, follow this link:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/safety/critters/snakes.shtml