Snakes under strain: Man charged in largest seizure of illegal reptiles in NY history

A Cattaraugus County man accused of harboring 292 snakes and turtles at his residence has been charged in the largest seizure of illegal reptiles in the state's history.

Venomous reptiles, including three king cobras — one of which was over 10 feet long — and six Gila monsters were among the species removed from the residence of 71-year-old William Engelder of Allegany, the Department of Environmental Conservation announced Wednesday.

King cobras are among the most deadly animal species on earth. Many of the animals seized are considered endangered or species of special concern.

Following a tip about a man harboring illegal animals in his home, DEC officers in August 2018 executed a search warrant at Engelder's residence. They removed 17 bog turtles, a native endangered species of New York; two box turtles; 28 Blanding's turtles; 53 wood turtles; two painted turtles; six snapping turtles; and 184 spotted turtles, DEC officials said. In addition, 20 boxes of various species of turtle eggs were seized.

Read more: https://buffalonews.com/2019/07/03/allegany-man-charged-in-largest-seizure-of-illegal-reptiles-in-states-history/