Snakes snatched in targeted heist on Ontario home

Canadian police are on the hunt for some slippery thieves who slithered away with a number of snakes – include ones that are venomous and another that is pregnant – in a bold break-in.

The Niagara Regional Police Service said a residence in Thorold was robbed around 7 pm on Feb. 18th for its collection of valuable snakes.

“The residence was specifically targeted, and that the suspect(s) had information that snakes were kept and bred at the premise for reptile e-commerce,” the force said in a press release.

The missing snakes include several juvenile cobra species, rattlesnakes, adders and vipers.

Gabon Viper

Also missing is a pregnant albino boa.

Pregnant albino boa

They range in length from 12 to 106 centimetres. A Boa Constrictor measuring 200 centimetres and weighing about 7 kilograms has also vanished.

Het Monocled Cobra

A cobras venom contains postsynaptic neurotoxins that spread rapidly in its victim’s bloodstream, which causes respiratory failure and death. Baby cobras have full strength venom and can defend themselves just like their parents.

Het Albino Monocled Cobra

Reptile e-commerce doesn’t require any special licensing, according to police. But the municipality does have a bylaw covering the care and control of animals, but not any prohibited animals.

“Police are asking that any member of the public who has information about the location of these reptiles to appreciate the risk of serious injury these creatures pose, even to persons trained to safely handle them,” police added.

Baby Banded Egyptian Cobra

Anyone having information about this matter is requested to call the 3 District Detective Office at (905) 688-4111 extension 3320 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477.

Photos Niagara Regional Police Service

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Recovering newspaper reporter.

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