Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
I wonder how he was transporting it, that it was able to escape? I don't know the laws in W. VA, but they have a point about failing to control a dangerous animal, IMO.

That's a great question, what they'd do if it was a dangerous dog instead? I would expect maybe a citation, but more severe charges if anyone is hurt as a result? But
the other question is whether this was a legal pet to begin with...if the owner had any permits for it, if needed by local laws?

I know one thing for sure...our community of snake-keepers doesn't need this sort of publicity. I hope they find it. Remember too that exotic animals released into
the wild can carry risks of diseases & non-native parasites that can threaten our native herps...that matters a great deal to me.

I see it got loose at the end of May, so it's been loose for a month now so far; that woods is so thick with growth, they'd have to get really lucky to spot it.
In the article, it said it got loose from the container he was transporting it in in his truck. I'd be willing to bet it was in a large rubbermaid tub and the lid was not secured via means other than the clips on the tub. The charge was something like "allowing a dangerous animal to roam loose" (can't remember exactly what it said in the article).

I would also think this would be a citation situation but it sounds like they are actually charging him with a crime and that he will need an attorney.