DEM: 70 snakes, racoon and other animals found in Providence home

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — An investigation is currently underway after Environmental Police Officers from the Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Law Enforcement discovered around 70 snakes at a home on Waldo Street.

According to a representative from DEM, officers originally went to the home for an arrest warrant.

The snakes that were seized varied in size up to 12 feet.

There were pythons, two turtles that were prohibited species in Rhode Island, a dog, and a racoon located at the residence as well.

All the animals that were contained were in very poor condition, according to the representative.

The dog and the turtles were removed, while the racoon was ultimately euthanized.

A reptile expert assisted in identifying the snakes.

The Rhode Island SPCA is currently considering an “animal welfare option” for the snakes.

Animal welfare and the conditions the animals were kept in will be addressed by RISPCA and the Providence Police Department.

DEM’s involvement in this case is limited to enforcement actions for the possession of prohibited species, which included the turtles and raccoon, according to the DEM representative.