10 venomous snakes seized from West Palm Beach home

Investigators say man didn't have proper license to own snakes

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. ā€“ Ten venomous stakes were removed from the home of a South Florida man who wasn't licensed to possess them, state wildlife officials said Wednesday.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Brian Buchkowski, 28, of West Palm Beach, was cited with unlawful possession of the venomous reptiles and several other related violations.

Investigators said the snakes were being kept in unsafe containers that weren't properly labeled and Buchkowski didn't have the required bite protocol in place.

Five copperheads, three monocled cobras, a spitting cobra and a viper were seized.

Each violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines and 60 days in jail.

"There are important captive wildlife rules that need to be followed, particularly where venomous reptiles are concerned," FWC Lt. Chris Harris said. "We're fortunate no one was hurt and we were able to get them to a safe facility where they will be well cared for."

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