State police in Bradford County are trying to track down whoever left several dead exotic snakes in small plastic enclosures along Route 14 north of Canton. The animals were discovered on June 8 and, according to troopers, died of exposure while still inside containers that had names and drawings on the sides. Investigators released photos of the tubs and are asking anyone who recognizes the markings or the animals to come forward.
In a post on the PSP Tips Facebook page, the Pennsylvania State Police Towanda barracks said the animals, described as exotic species, were found June 8 near Route 14 north of Canton and that all had perished from exposure, CBS Pittsburgh reports. The post listed names found on the containers, including Blaze, Martin, Mr. Green, Samantha, Pearl, Larry, and SpongeBob, and troopers shared photos showing the labeled tubs. Investigators have not released additional details about ownership, the exact species involved, or how many snakes were recovered.
State wildlife rules and exotic pets
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says its rules focus on native species, and that venomous native snakes require a Venomous Snake Permit, but the commission's regulations generally do not cover nonnative exotic species, which may instead fall under local ordinances or other agencies. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission notes that people who possess timber rattlesnakes or other venomous natives must obtain permits and that the agency does not recommend keeping venomous reptiles as pets. How the animals in this case were obtained and whether any permits apply could affect both wildlife and criminal inquiries.
Potential criminal exposure
Under Pennsylvania law, conduct that causes an animal's death through neglect or abuse can amount to aggravated cruelty to animals, a third‑degree felony in certain circumstances, while lesser cruelty and neglect offenses carry lower penalties. Prosecutors would need to determine whether the snakes' deaths reflected reckless abandonment or intentional mistreatment as they weigh possible charges. For the relevant statutes and grading, see Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
How to report tips
Anyone with information is asked to contact animal cruelty officer Corporal Spada at 717‑772‑5112 or [email protected], call the PSP Towanda barracks at 570‑265‑2186, or submit a tip through the P3Tips portal, CBS Pittsburgh reports. Troopers said they hope the names on the containers will help identify an owner or source for the animals. The investigation is ongoing, and troopers have not announced any arrests or charges.
Dumped exotic pets also raise broader conservation and public‑safety concerns. Researchers and federal agencies have documented that escaped or released pet reptiles can establish invasive populations or spread disease, with dramatic examples such as Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades, as federal research has shown. For perspective on ecological risk from released pets, see work summarized by the U.S. National Park Service and USGS on nonnative pythons. Local officials say they will continue the probe and have urged anyone who saw suspicious activity along Route 14 to contact troopers.
