Workers with the Phoenix Herpetological Society returned to the Valley Monday from northwestern Arizona where they rescued seven of 30 reptiles - including three very large reticulated pythons ranging from 16 to 21 feet in length - that were being hoarded at a residence. Other animals there included more snakes, lizards, turtles and a Sonoran tiger salamander, an endangered species naturally found only in a small area of southern Arizona and northern Mexico, according to a news release.
"This is a situation where a young man, who really loves these reptiles, has become overwhelmed with the number of animals he has and it is taking almost all of his time to care for them," herpetological society president Russ Johnson said in the release. "We will be able to provide the care and environment the animals need, and some of them may be available for adoption in the near future."
The story of this case will eventually air on Animal Planet's hit series "Confessions: Animal Hoarding." More than 3,000 animal hoarding cases are reported each year, according to the news release, and at least 10 times as many go unreported. If you know someone who might be an animal hoarder, you can learn more atwww.animalhoardingproject.com.
For more information about the Phoenix Herpetological Society, visit www.phoenixherp.com or call (480) 513-4377.
To see photos of the rescued reptiles, go to http://eastvalleytribune.com/our_community/.
