SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A Sioux Falls man is in the hospital after being bitten by one of three venomous snakes he kept in his apartment.
During Sioux Falls Police Department’s briefing, Patty Beckman with Sioux Falls Animal Control said officers responded to a call Sunday at an apartment complex near 85th Street and Minnesota Ave.
Upon arriving, officers found two African Forest Cobras loose from their containers and a contained Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Allegedly, the cobras were in plastic totes and the man was bitten after they were knocked over and the man stepped on one.
The man was transported to the hospital for his injuries. Beckman had no update on the man’s condition.
The snakes were transported to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City on Monday.
It is unknown where the man received the snakes.
Beckman reminded the public it is illegal to own venomous snakes in both the city and the state of South Dakota, unless they are in a zoo, due to the dangers of putting owners, the community and law enforcement in danger when they are called in.
If you know of anyone who may be in possession of venomous snakes, call Animal Control.
Beckman said it is rare for animal control to respond to cases of venomous snakes.
