VANCOUVER, Wash. — Not only was Clark County animal control officer Trisha Kraff unnerved when she entered the basement of a Vancouver home, but many of the occupants were rattled.
Kraff found herself Thursday in the presence of 40 caged snakes — 34 of them venomous — and a 4-foot-long alligator named Jake. The snakes included puff adders, vipers and at least four varieties of rattlesnake. Kraff says all of them started rattling when she entered the basement with other agents.
The Columbian newspaper said officials obtained a warrant to search the home for illegal reptiles. They said the homeowner, who was not arrested, keeps snakes as a hobby and cooperated with authorities.
Officers said all the reptiles appeared to be in good condition and well cared for. They said the snakes — and Jake — were taken to animal shelters.
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