DEADLY SNAKE PIT
Man found dead in Maryland home surrounded by 100 poisonous snakes and 14-foot Burmese python
A MAN was found dead in a Maryland home surrounded by more than 100 snakes, including a 14-foot Burmese python.
The Charles County home contained a variety of snake species including rattlesnakes, cobras, black mambas, and more, according to reports.
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The Charles County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the snakes were "discovered in tanks situated on racks."
The sheriff's office also shared that some of the snakes were venomous and illegally kept.
However, officials noted to that the snakes were "meticulously cared for."
Charles County Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the man's cause of death, but no obvious signs of foul play were observed.
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Reports indicate that all snakes were accounted for, and officials do not believe the man's death was caused by one of the reptiles.
The 49-year-old's identity has not yet been released.
On January 19, a neighbor alerted police after going to check on the man, who had not been seen for a day or so.
The man was found lying on the floor and unconscious, according to the sheriff's office.
An autopsy on the man is pending.
Of the 124 snakes found in the home, the largest was the 14-foot Burmese python, according to reports.
Charles County Animal Control is working alongside detectives to coordinate reptile rescue efforts.
Reptile experts from North Carolina and Virginia are also assisting, according to the sheriff's office.
Charles County Government spokesperson Jennifer Harris told The Sun via email that Charles County is not housing or caring for any of the snakes removed from the residence.
"All of the snakes were placed with out of state organizations with the proper authority, permits and/or licenses," Harris said.
She also noted that the local animal shelter is receiving "lots of inquiries" about snake adoption.
The reptile discovery comes just weeks after a home in another Maryland county was burned to the ground after the homeowner was trying to fight an alleged snake infestation.
The home in Montgomery County reportedly sustained more than $1million in damage in the fire on November 23, reported.
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