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The following is a partial list of attacks on humans, attacks on other animals, and escapes by exotic animals in the U.S. since 1990.
| Date | Place | Incident |
| 04/04/08 | Orlando, FL | Prada, 4-year-old monkey, escapes from his possessor's Coconut Palms apartment. He is captured by animal control officials and turned over to Back to Nature Sanctuary, where he is held until given to Florida Fish and Wildlife. (wftv9.com) |
| 04/01/08 | Frankfort, KY | Department of Fish and Wildlife officials seize 7 rattlesnakes, gaboon viper, king cobra, iguana, 2 monitor lizards, 2 alligators, boa constrictor, and python. Possessor is not at home but at local hospital having 2 fingers amputated as result of snakebite. He faces several charges in connection with seized reptiles. (Associated Press) |
| 03/28/08 | Humboldt County, CA | Arrest warrant is issued for Cutten man facing 4 felony counts of animal cruelty in connection with more than 100 animals found in and around his home in mid-January. 35 dead animals found at his property include dog, ferret, chickens, large snakes, lizards, fish, and scorpion. (Times-Standard) |
| 03/24/08 | Denver, CO | Denver Animal Control officers confiscate 6 marmosets from home of former Florida resident, who claims she didn't know primates were illegal in Colorado. Animal control officials are attempting to relocate marmosets. (9-News) |
| 03/24/08 | Snowflake, VA | Scott county chiropractor has 60 days to place exotic animals in his zoo before going to federal prison on fraud charges. Snowflake farm is home to leopards, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and wildebeests. (Herald Courier) |
| 03/23/08 | Tampa, FL | Owner of Polk Wildlife Sanctuary closes his operation and has until September 2008 to place animals in other facilities. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission cited owner more than 40 times since 1993. Recent inspection showed that animals were living in unsafe conditions. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 03/21/08 | Elk County, KS | 2 Elk county residents have nearly 60 animals removed from their property and face 10 counts of animal cruelty charges. (WIBW-TV) |
| 03/13/08 | New Albany, IN | Capuchin monkey bites small child visiting her possessor's home. Monkey is quarantined at her possessor's home while Floyd County Health Department investigates. (WAVE.com) |
| 03/13/08 | Spokane, WA | Chico, wayward Java Macaque, is euthanized by Spokane Regional Health District despite offer to transfer him to Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary which also offers to pay for series of shots for all 3 bite victims. Results of brain test prove negative for rabies. (SpokesmanReview.com) |
| 03/12/08 | Bastrop, TX | Chimpanzee is shot and killed after escaping from his enclosure at University of Texas research center. (KVUE-TV) |
| 03/11/08 | Papillion, NE | Nebraska Humane Society raids home of suspected drug trafficker and finds more than 200 animals. Charges of animal cruelty and violating local animal ordinances are pending against suspect. (Sioux City Journal) |
| 03/10/08 | Marengo, IL | Dozens of animals including wallaby and fennec fox owned by A Zoo to You petting zoo are killed in early morning barn fire. (Chicago Tribune) |
| 02/28/08 | Phoenix, AZ | 3-year-old boy sustains severe bite on his wrist by pet lemur. He is taken to nearby hospital for treatment. Boy's family refuses to disclose where they obtained lemur but admit they were intending to start "petting zoo." (East Valley Tribune) |
| 02/27/08 | Spokane, WA | Pet spider monkey escapes his possessor's new residence and attacks and bites 3 people. Monkey is currently under "dangerous animal" quarantine at Spokeanimal while investigation is completed. (Spokesman Review) (see follow-up on 03/13/08) |
| 02/25/08 | Dayton, OH | Dayton Police and U.S. Marshals find 2 alligators in Norvell Court house but don't find 20-year-old man wanted on probation violation. Alligators are turned over to animal rescue operation. (Dayton Daily News) |
| 02/24/08 | Sandstone, MN | Duluth News Tribune follows up story (see 03/29/06) involving woman who possesses big cats for Hollywood movies who is killed and partially devoured by one of her severely underweight (100 pounds) tigers. USDA inspects her facility on 05/18/05 and cites her for failing to prove her animals are fed adequate diet. No follow-up is conducted before possessor was killed. (Duluth News Tribune) |
| 02/24/08 | Monticello, ME | Maine warden takes possession of a 2- to 3-year-old American alligator living in terrarium in local resident's home. Possessor is issued a summons for keeping wildlife in captivity and importing/receiving wildlife without permit. Alligator is turned over to animal rescue facility in Winslow. (Village Soup) |
| 02/11/08 | DeKalb, AL | 3 exotic cats — mountain lion, African lion, and tiger — found in backyard of home in Winfield have been confiscated and turned over to exotic animal shelter. Humane society investigator is on call about cruelty case involving monkey when cats are discovered. (Times-Journal) |
| 02/10/08 | Findlay, OH | 4-foot iguana named Godzilla escapes from her possessor's home when someone opens front door. (The Courier) |
| 02/06/08 | Hesperia, CA | More than 200 reptiles including 2 gila monsters are discovered abandoned in freezing, filthy room attached to garage in Hesperia. Most are alive though weak. Some had died from dehydration, including 2 gila monsters. Owner of Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Phelan takes possession of the reptiles and is caring for them. (Victorville Daily Press) |
| 12/31/07 | Manitowoc, WI | 2 cougars briefly escape from their habitat at Lincoln Park Zoo and are later captured within zoo's grounds. According to authorities, chain-link fence surrounding cougars' compound was cut open. The cougars are captured near southwest section of zoo without incident. (HRTNews.com) |
| 12/31/07 | North Fort Myers, FL | Young zebra jumps out of back of moving trailer and crosses US 41, running into Heron's Glen Community before being captured by local animal control officer. Zebra suffers injuries. Workers employed by Shell Factory Zoo decline to disclose where zebra was being transported. (NBC2-News Online) |
| 12/25/07 | Dallas, TX | Young male tiger is found shot to death along Interstate 35 near Dallas. Officials receive anonymous tip and find tiger lying on road. Tiger has collar and leash and is shot five times. Tiger is taken to Dallas Zoo where necropsy shows it is in good health at time of death. State and federal officials are investigating. (WBIR.com) |
| 12/22/07 | Hollywood, CA | Actress Christina Ricci tells Parade Magazine she had to face her primate fear recently as she co-starred with monkey, Willie, in upcoming movie, Speed Racer. Monkey "freaked out" and grabbed her left breast. Her co-actors eventually help remove monkey. (Toronto Sun) |
| 12/18/07 | Zeeland, MI | Resident of Holland Township is shocked to find body of armadillo lying on road. It's suspected armadillo was someone's "pet" as creature is not native to Michigan. (Holland Sentinel) |
| 12/13/07 | Olympia, WA | Landlord at local duplex finds American alligator abandoned in small aquarium by occupants who were recently evicted. Animal Services officials are attempting to place alligator in animal refuge in Anacortes. Alligator is 2nd one taken in by Animal Services. (The Olympian) |
| 12/07/07 | Rockville, MD | Montgomery County judge overrules county animal board and orders pet monkey seized from Rockville woman in May be returned to her. Judge also orders police to reimburse thousands of dollars woman paid to zoo in Thurmond where monkey was being kept. (ABC 7 News) |
| 12/03/07 | Acton, CA | 40-year-old caretaker at Tippi Hedren's Shambala Preserve is attacked and mauled by tiger as he cleans big cat's enclosure, leaving him in critical condition with multiple bites, according to Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman. (Los Angeles Times) |
| 11/15/07 (reported) | New Hampton, IA | Full-grown tiger escapes cage and attacks family's collie. Sheriff's deputy shoots and kills tiger. Dog is rushed to vet and is doing all right. Family also has 2 cougars and 1 bear. Since county has no licensing laws for exotic "pets," matter is turned over to USDA. (Associated Press) |
| 11/06/07 | Flint Twp., MI | Police raid 2 houses where thieves hide hordes of exotic animals, including Brazilian parrot and other exotic birds, rare breed of small fox, Australian wallaby, fish tank of piranhas and several wild cat breeds. Couple in their mid-20s are arrested. Several animals were returned to their rightful possessors. (The Flint Journal) |
| 11/06/07 | Columbia, MS | Local health officials may have identified possessor of "pet" monkey that bites 2 children in Columbia park, setting off statewide primate hunt (see 09/28/07). Woman is wanted for questioning regarding incident. (Associated Press) |
| 11/01/07 | Mahopac, NY | Exotic African Serval cat is removed from his possessor's filth- and feces-ridden home. Cat is spied in window by passing neighbor who later reports incident to police. Cat is extremely emaciated and eats styrofoam in attempt to survive. Cat is turned over to local SPCA and will be placed in zoo or animal sanctuary. Possessor is due in court on November 19. (The Journal News) |
| 11/01/07 | Muncie, IN | Man known to be buyer and broker of venomous snakes is arrested after departing from city bus with box of baby timber rattle snakes. State conservation officers and county police arrest him again for possession and transportation of dangerous reptiles without permit. (Indystar.com) |
| 10/29/07 | Brooklyn, NY | Woman finds 7-ft python snake in her toilet and calls authorities. Plumbers tear apart downstairs neighbor's pipes in effort to retrieve snake. Woman turns snake over to friend who keeps it as "pet." (WRAL.com) |
| 10/22/07 | Eldon, MS | Police officer turns wrangler after he is called to retrieve 3-ft-long alligator spotted running through neighborhood. Alligator is returned to her owner and owner is cited for harboring dangerous animal and ordered to find another home for her. (LakeSunLeader.com) |
| 10/18/07 | Thousand Oaks, CA | Responding to motorist's report of alligator on loose, law enforcement officer captures a 2-ft-long alligator sitting in street. Animal control officers later take alligator to their facility where CA Fish and Game will investigate and re-home alligator. (Ventura County Star) |
| 10/07/07 | Ball Ground, GA | 66-year-old male owner of exotic animal operation is gored several times and killed by male red deer, European species that weighs about 400 pounds. Wildlife experts theorize that deer reacted aggressively because it is mating season. (Associated Press) |
| 10/06/07 | Pahrump, NV | 73-year-old woman is dead after her wolf hybrids attack her. All 8 animals are euthanized. (KVBC-TV) |
| 09/28/07 | Columbia, MS | Rhesus macque that bites 2 children on 09/23/07 remains at large while authorities continue to search for woman with whom macque has been observed in area. (ColumbiaTribune.com) |
| 09/26/07 | Davie, FL | Employee of store that sells reptiles and snakes is bitten by western diamondback rattlesnake. Man is initially treated at local hospital with 6 vials of antivenin and will likely receive additional treatments to combat effects of bite. (Sun-Sentinel.com) |
| 09/20/07 | Surprise, AZ | Maricopa sheriff's deputies arrest pet shop owner after investigators find 33 dead animals in store. Owner tells detectives he was just lazy and never went back after running into financial difficulty before grand opening of pet shop. 160 reptiles, amphibians, rodents, and invertebrates go without food, water, or care for 3 weeks. (East Valley Tribune) |
| 09/11/07 | Winston-Salem, NC | State wildlife officials order 2 small alligators destroyed after they are captured near Graylyn Conference Center. District wildlife biologist with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission says he doesn't like seeing animals destroyed, but officials looking out for greater good of state's wildlife populations. (Winston-Salem Journal) |
| 09/05/07 | Ingalls, IN | Little Man, 7-month-old African Serval cat who escaped on 08/30/07 and returned the next day, is sold by his possessor, who says Indiana Department of Natural Resources regulations are too stringent for him to meet. (The Herald Bulletin) |
| 08/31/07 | Ingalls, IN | Family captures stray African Serval cat 1 day after he escapes from his possessor. Local sheriff returns cat (named Little Man) to his possessor but is checking with Indiana Department of Natural Resources to confirm that possessor is properly licensed. (The Herald Bulletin) |
| 08/23/07 | Surprise, AZ | Sheriff's detectives enter pet store in 110-degree heat where 160 exotic reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are without food, water, and air conditioning for three weeks. Scores of animals die. 23-year-old pet shop owner tells investigators he ran into financial difficulty and power to store was cut off on 08/03/07. He is later charged with 126 counts of animal cruelty. (KOLD News) |
| 08/11/07 | Gainesville, FL | Couple who raise exotic birds find 4-ft ball python inside their backyard nesting cage. Next to snake is body of white-bellied Caique. Snake apparently constricted and killed bird but because of bird's size was unable to consume it. Couple contacts zoo herpetologist who helps them place snake in new home. (Gainsville.com) |
| 08/08/07 | LaGuardia Airport, NY | Officials from Centers for Disease Control take pygmy marmoset from man who successfully smuggles him from Lima, Peru under his hat and onto Spirit Airlines Flight #180 which actually lands in Fort Lauderdale, FL and then connects to another flight at LaGuardia Airport in New York. If other passengers hadn't noticed, man might have escaped detection. (Gothamist.com) |
| 08/07/07 | Minneapolis, MN | Animal control officials remove nearly 40 animals, many neglected, including exotic lizards and tortoises, birds (including duck and cockatoo), chinchillas, 5 Pomeranian dogs, and cat. Several chinchillas do not survive move and 2 dogs must be destroyed. Animals remain in care of city's animal shelter and possessor's home is condemned. (Star-Tribune.com) |
| 08/02/07 | Tupelo, MS | Missing monkey who escaped from Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo receives coverage on David Letterman Show after possessor offers lavish reward for return of "Oliver." News makes Letterman's Top Ten List. (Associated Press) |
| 08/02/07 | Clark County, WA | Animal control officers capture "Bonnie" the alligator in a pond near Bonneville Power Administration lines. Bonnie is 3rd alligator captured in Clark County in past 2 weeks. 1 was surrendered by possessor's parents and 2 appear to have been abandoned. (kgw.com) |
| 07/31/07 | Glenwood , IA | Investigators seize 42 animals from home near Glenwood. Dogs and cats were living in their own feces and urine. 20 dogs, 15 cats, and 1 lynx are taken to Nebraska Humane Society for treatment and care. Authorities continue to investigate and charges may be filed. (KETV.com) |
| 07/30/07 | Charlotte, NC | 15-month old boy is rushed to hospital after being bitten by python in popular Charlotte park. Park workers initially try to kill 3-ft ball python but eventually snake is captured and turned over to local pet shop owner who plans to help injured snake and eventually sell it. (WPXI.com) |
| 07/22/07 | Jackson, MS | Japanese snow macaque named Justin is seized by Rankin County Sheriff's authorities in April after biting IRS agent, will soon be making his way to his new home at Animal Protection Institute Primate Sanctuary in Dilley, TX. (ClarionLedger.com) |
| 07/21/07 | Ventura, CA | 25-yr-old African spurred tortoise named Bob is recovering from being slashed and stabbed after being stolen from home of autistic boy. Brutalized turtle was dumped behind brush in nearby apartment complex. Anonymous caller told family where to find him. Bob is recovering at Turtle Dreams, Montecito rehab center. 18-year old man is arrested and booked at Ventura County jail. (USA Today) |
| 07/20/07 | Magnolia, OH | 2 sisters who reported that someone killed their 2 bear cubs are now subject of investigation. Cruelty charges have been brought against 1 of sisters who were caring for animals at local animal sanctuary. Remaining animals are turned over to Stump Hill Farm and include "pet" lion named Brutus, goat, and 5 puppies. See also 07/17/07 entry. (AR-news) |
| 07/19/07 | Guilford County, NC | Passerby spots large cat, either bobcat or lynx, in minivan at local auto auction and calls County Animal Control because cat is exposed to severe heat being locked in van. Van's owner receives $50 citation and his sister, possessor of cat, may also be cited. Authorities are checking on legality of owning exotic cat in woman's hometown in GA. (The News & Record) |
| 07/17/07 | Magnolia, OH | 2 bear cubs are found dead and their possessors believe someone killed them. Local police chief inspects facility and says feces are everywhere; he believes cubs may have died from dehydration. Investigation continues. See related story on 07/20/07. |
| 07/17/07 | Bellingham, WA | Otis, pet squirrel monkey, is turned over to local veterinarian after his fugitive owner is arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail on 2 warrants. (Bellingham Herald) |
| 07/16/07 | Juneau, WI | Baby kangaroo in diaper is found safe over weekend, 2 hours after being reported missing from exotic animal farm. (The News & Observer.com) |
| 07/16/07 | Holly Hill, FL | 15-ft. python is captured in residential neighborhood. Trapper who catches snake arranges to have him transported to Native Village, small private zoo in Hollywood, FL. (WFTV.com) |
| 07/15/07 | Oakey, CA | 3-ft. alligator is taken to his new home at exotic animal education facility in Petaluma after being sighted and captured in neighbor's front yard. (Bay City News, Inc.) |
| 07/14/07 | Waxahachie, TX | 18-yr-old man is taken into custody relating to 07/05/07 shooting death of zebra on HiView Farm near Rockett. Man is charged with cruelty to animals after officers recover .30-30 rifle, shell casing, and bullet from zebra's body. (Daily Light) |
| 07/13/07 | Spokane, WA | Baby American alligator escapes from home of his possessor and is found at neighbor's house. Animal pest company retrieves alligator and he is held at Animal Control along with another alligator that belonged to same person. In Spokane it is against law to own any reptile in crocodiia family. (KXLY.com) |
| 07/04/07 | Crossville, TN | Authorities seize 3 tigers, brown bear, black leopard, African lion, and cougar from Campbell's Wildlife Canyon, on property advertised as romantic getaway. Animals are in good condition. Investigations underway at state and federal levels. (Knoxnews) |
| 06/28/07 | El Cajon, CA | Police discover alligator, 2 rattlesnakes, 21 poisonous vipers, and 2 cobras, along with several guns, at home of suspect charged with threatening man he found with his former fiancee. Snakes and alligator are turned over to San Diego Zoo. (NBC11.com) |
| 06/28/07 | Duluth, MN | 4 rare white tiger cubs die at Zoo Dynamics facility. Tiger cubs' possessor claims they did not die as result of care or zoo conditions. Cubs' bodies are sent to laboratory for examination. (Associated Press) |
| 06/26/07 | Cheney, WA | Large rodent referred to as Patagonia cavy or mara is found wandering around Cheney, near Spokane. (KXLY4news) |
| 06/24/07 | Bryn Athyn, PA | 2nd alligator is captured in Pennypack Creek and authorities warn residents that more reptiles could be lurking in waters. 2-1/2-ft. alligator is smaller than 1 caught previously in same area on 06/22/07. (CBS-3) |
| 06/22/07 | Ashville, NC | Authorities are hunting 2 wolf dogs who escape their possessor and attack and kill 2 dogs. (Citizen-Times) |
| 06/20/07 | Bryn Athyn, PA | Warminster Animal Control officer nets 5-ft. alligator on path next to Pennypack Creek. Officials plan to take the alligator to zoo or animal rescue center. (Bucks County Courier Times) |
| 06/20/07 | Jackson, OH | 10-ft. python and Madagascar hissing cockroaches are barely alive among 25 starving and dead animals in abandoned farmhouse. Woman notices hog running loose in road near property and calls police. Authorities find dead dogs, ducks, snakes, rabbits, goats, and chickens. 1 of 2 women who lived at house is taken into custody. (Cleveland Plain Dealer) |
| 06/18/07 | St. Charles, MO | Toby, 38-year-old "pet" primate, escapes from her possessor's home. County animal control officials ask people to be cautious if they spot her. (KTVI TV) |
| 06/17/07 | Vacaville, CA | State wildlife officials capture 4-ft. alligator from area along Sacramento River. Alligator is taken to investigations lab in Rancho Cordova. (Associated Press) |
| 06/17/07 | Bristol Twp., PA | 2 separate incidents involving large snakes are reported. Officials are trying to trap 12-ft. python or boa constrictor they suspect has been dining on kittens. In 1 incident, officials capture 9-1/2-ft. albino python that escapes from her possessor's car. (Philly.com) |
| 06/15/07 | Winston-Salem, NC | 5-yr-old child receives minor injury at New River Zoo when escaped coatimundi nips child on knee. Animal is euthanized to test for rabies. Tests prove negative. (Winston-Salem Journal) |
| 06/13/07 | Atlanta, GA | Norton, 23-ft. juvenile whale shark, is euthanized after he slowly spirals to bottom of his tank. His death marks 2nd time whale shark has died at Atlanda Aquarium. Ralph died 5 months earlier (see 01/11/07). (Atlanta Times) |
| 06/12/07 | Waterbury, VT | Vermont game wardens seize 2 primates from Eden home and charge man with illegally importing and possessing them. Primates are identified as Rhesus Macaque and Debrazza's monkey. 2 primates will be transferred to wild animal rescue organization in another state. (AP) |
| 06/05/07 | Fountaintown, IN | 6-ft. "pet" kangaroo that escapes from his possessor's home in rural Indiana on 06/01/07 dies just hours after capture. Cause of death is under investigation but possessor alleges he died of tranquilizer overdose. (allheadlinenews.com) |
| 05/31/07 | Bay County, MI | Wallets, 4-1/2-ft. "pet" alligator who escaped, is found by his possessor and returned to his home. (The Saginaw News) |
| 05/29/07 | Blaine, MN | Kinkajou escapes from possessor's shed and is found curled up on resident's backyard deck. County service officer easily captures kinkajou and turns it over to humane society. Possessor does not have proper permits and kinkajou will be released to sanctuary. (WCCO) |
| 05/28/07 | Rifle, CO | Possessor of camel ranch is seriously hurt when camel kicks him and then lies down on him. Man is taken to Grand River Medical Center, where his condition unknown. (Rocky Mountain News) |
| 05/27/07 | Casselberry, FL | Police say they're sure they shot 4-1/2-ft. 80-lb. monitor lizard seen frequently near retention pond, and are looking for lizard's body. (Associated Press, sun-sentinel.com) |
| 05/23/07 | Rockville, MD | 4-lb. Capuchin monkey is seized by Animal Control authorities because monkey's guardian lacks proper licensing and permits to keep monkey. Monkey is being cared for at zoo in Thurmont, some 50 miles away. (Washington Post) |
| 05/17/07 | Chapel Hill, NC | 6-ft. emu "Bill Clinton" escapes from his home and is loose for week before being recaptured outside nursing home. Animal later dies at Orange County Animal Shelter. Officials think police "tasered" emu. (Associated Press, Courant.com) |
| 05/17/07 | Queens, NY | Firefighters investigating fire in basement apartment find several exotic animals including 12-ft. Burmese python and baby alligator, and assorted reptiles including frogs and turtles. Several tarantulas, black widow spiders, 2 cobra snakes, and 1 alligator die of smoke inhalation. Officials are investigating to determine identity of possessor. (The New York Sun) |
| 05/09/07 | Gulf Shores, AL | Employee of Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is bitten by black bear when he reaches through hole in cage to pet bear and animal clamps down on his arm. Man is treated and released from South Alabama Medical Center. (Press Register) |
| 05/09/07 | Wintersburg, AZ | Sheriff's deputies raid rural residence in response to reports of animal cruelty. Deputies and veterinarians remove more than 100 animals from property, many suffering from malnourishment and lack of water, shelter, and medical care. Among many animals found are exotic animals, including 13 monkeys. Child Protective Services also remove 2 children, ages 5 and 16, from residence day before. (The Arizona Republic) |
| 05/04/07 | Stafford, VA | Police are called when 3-ft. American alligator is discovered lying beneath vehicle in Green Acres subdivision. Animal control officers are able to capture alligator which is later turned over to Luray Reptile Center. (The Free Lance-Star) |
| 05/03/07 | Salt Lake City, UT | Roxy-Bell, 5-lb. 7-year-old wallaby, escapes her kennel during flight change in Salt Lake City. It's theorized that vibration may have loosened buckles on side of her kennel. Airport workers catch Roxy-Bell within 5 minutes after she hops onto tarmac. (Associated Press) |
| 04/26/07 | Chanceford Township, PA | Cricket, 8-year-old mountain lion, returns to her home after she escapes from her cage. Lion's possessor noticed lion was not in her cage and that lock had been removed when he attempted to feed her. Cricket is declawed on both her front and back paws. (York Daily Record) |
| 04/22/07 | Wewahitchka, FL | Local tv news crew is filming animals at exotic animal farm when 1,800-lb. camel named Polo becomes agitated, then attacks owner, kicking her and sitting on her. She dies. Husband says he will find new home for Polo. (foxnews.com) |
| 04/21/07 | Huntington, NY | Police capture small alligator sunbathing by small pond. (abcnews.go.com) |
| 04/19/07 | Studio City, CA | Painter discovers large Monitor lizard on patio after he hears scuffling noise. He traps lizard in corner and Animal Control takes animal. (NBC6.net) |
| 04/08/07 | Otis, OR | 15–20 lb. monkey escapes from his cage and runs around trying to attack people. Monkey is captured after being cornered in garage. Possessor tells police he was in process of applying for permit to keep animal. (KGW-TV) |
| 03/01/07 | Collier County, FL | "Pet" wallaby escapes his home and is found 2 weeks later in neighbor's yard. Wildlife officials are able to catch animal with tranquilizer. Owner is cited for not reporting escape and is warned for not having sufficient permits for his 8 wallabies (he only has permits for 2). (Associated Press, winknews.com) |
| 03/22/07 | Durham, SC | Durham health officials try to contact parents whose children may have been exposed to rare and potentially fatal disease, baylisascaris, at day care facility where owner keeps exotic animals. (Herald Sun) |
| 03/13/07 | Chesterfield County, VA | Dominque, 4-year-old rhino at Metro Richmond Zoo, catches keeper with his horn as she attempts to close his stall door at night. Zookeeper requires 16 stitches to her armpit. (Times Dispatch) |
| 03/11/07 | Spring City, TN | Wildlife officers kill 5-ft. alligator discovered in Watts Bar Lake. (wjla.com news) |
| 03/05/07 | Anderson, CA | Iguana almost 4 feet long is found dead on banks of Sacramento River across from Anderson River Park. (www.redding.com) |
| 02/27/07 | Hartselle, AL | 11-ft. python named "Bruce" escapes from his cage while his possessor is moving. Snake is subsequently located and returned. (The Decatur Daily News) |
| 02/25/07 | Dallas, TX | Investigate hit-and-run fender-bender accident, authorities find and confiscate monkey, alligator, tarantula, and 6 piranhas from man's home. Man is cited on misdemeanor charges for illegal possession of exotic animals. (Associated Press) |
| 02/22/07 | Napavine, WA | Family must move due to foreclosure on their home and relinquish their 4 Siberian tigers to Cat Tales. (The Seattle Times) |
| 02/15/07 | West Branson, MS | 2 wolves, including pregnant female, escape from Predator World. (Columbia Tribune) |
| 02/05/07 | Center Point, IN | 70-lb. cougar escapes from Exotic Feline Rescue Center after scaling 14-ft. fence. (The Tribune-Star) |
| 02/09/07 | Shreveport, LA | Serval escapes from her home when door is left open. She is captured and returned to her home. (www.ktbs.com) |
| 02/08/07 | Vero Beach, FL | Large boa constrictor is found at Pointe West Development. (TCpalm.com) |
| 02/06/07 | Fontana, CA | Woman babysits 3-year-old wallaby when animal escapes from home's backyard. 2 Animal Control officers finally corral animal. Possessor is cited for keeping wild animal without permit. (PE.com) |
| 01/31/07 | Orangeburg, SC | Officers investigating break-in at local residence find a 10-ft. albino Burmese python. Animal Control Officer says malnourished and dehydrated snake should weigh approximately 100 pounds but thinks it weighs barely 30. She cares for reptiles and snakes at Palmetto Reptiles and Exotic Animals and will attempt to nurse snake back to good health. (thetandd.com) |
| 01/29/07 | Nahunta, NC | Female Japanese snow monkey that escapes her home in early December is finally caught at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. It is still unclear what will happen to monkey. (Goldsboro New-Argus) |
| 01/11/07 | Atlanta, GA | Ralph, 22-ft. whale shark, dies at Georgia Aquarium. Necropsy reveals Ralph had thin, perforated stomach walls which led to peritonitis. (Atlanta Journal- Constitution) |
| 01/05/07 | Center Point, IN | Cougar scales 14-ft. fence to escape his pen at western Indian preserve and remains at large. Cougar believed to still be on preserve grounds which holds nearly 200 exotic cats. (indystar.com) |
| 01/02/07 | Atlanta, GA | Gasper, 17-year-old beluga whale at Georgia Aquarium, is euthanized after months of declining health. Gasper had been in poor health since before his arrival at aquarium in October 2005, having been on display in substandard conditions at amusement park in Mexico City. (Associated Press) |
| 12/31/06 | Bartlett, TN | Family that keeps several kangaroos, wallabies, and other exotic "pets" in backyard have come under fire from Bartlett City Judge who orders them to either find new homes or relocate their rescue operation. Family relocates to new residence and is attempting to place wallabies with USDA facility. (Bartlett Express) |
| 12/30/06 | Tarpon Springs, FL | 14-ft. python bites 18-year-old handler during daily snake show at Tarpon Springs Aquarium. Police resort to stun gun to force snake to release woman. Handler suffers puncture wounds to wrist. Aquarium owner cancels snake show indefinitely. (www.cnn.com) |
| 12/25/06 | French Settlement, FL | 8-year-old boy is attacked by "pet" lemur at home of his father's friend. Lemur bites twice and boy and is now undergoing series of shots to prevent rabies. Owners of lemur do not have permit to have animal and are cited. (The Advocate) |
| 12/02/06 | Uhrichsville, OH | Boo-Boo, 6-year-old bear at Patterson Wildlife Ranch, bites 4-year-old grandson of facility owner. Boy loses finger. Bear is quarantined pending Health Department inspection. (The Times Reporter) |
| 12/01/06 | Lucas County, OH | 130-lb. wolf, loose in county, is captured by County Dog Warden, who must use more than 1 tranquilizer to sedate wolf. (Toledo Blade) |
| 11/18/06 | Coral Gables, FL | 4-year-old girl is mauled by cougar brought in by wild-animal business to entertain children at birthday party. Girl suffers severe cuts to her eyelid, cheek, and ear. Doctors sew back part of her severed ear. Cougar is killed and tested for rabies. (Winnipeg Sun) |
| 11/28/06 | Brooklyn, NY | Detectives capture what they think is baby alligator behind Spring Creek Towers. Reptile is taken to facility run by Animal Care and Control in Brooklyn. It is suspected that alligator was someone's "pet." (New York Times) |
| 11/17/06 | Spartanburg, SC | Donna, 48-year-old Asian elephant at Hollywild Animal Park, dies suddenly. Necropsy is scheduled to determine cause of death. (www.myrtlebeachonline.com, Associated Press) |
| 11/16/06 | Greensboro, NC | U.S. Marshals and High Point police are called to motel room to serve warrant and there find fish tank with a 3-ft. alligator and 3-ft. caiman (crocodile-like animal). (www.newsrecord.com) |
| 11/14/06 | Gulf Breeze, FL | 2 cougars at The Zoo of Northwest Florida escape enclosure due to broken fencing. Cougars are located by helicopter equipped with heat-seeking sensors and recaptured after nearly 3 hours of freedom. No one is injured. (Pensacola News Journal) |
| 11/12/06 | Ellenburg, NY | Deer kept in pen attacks and kills his 43-year-old possessor. Deer among half dozen deer penned up on man's property. (www.wlxtv.com) |
| 11/03/06 | Corpus Christi, TX | "Pet" baboon unlocks door of truck where owner had been him and enters building his owner had gone into. Tower II building's employees take care of baboon, named Able, and are able to track down his owner from tag on 1 dog who escaped with baboon. Other dog is loose and still missing. Baboon's owner avers this incident never happened before. (kristv.com) |
| 11/02/06 | South Florida | Landscaper is attacked by his client's kangaroo. (WRCB-TV) |
| 11/02/06 | Hillsdale County, MI | Residents report seeing large black "panther"-like cat near their homes on Chester Street. Police report getting information on sighting but cannot confirm it. (www.hillsdale.net) |
| 11/02/06 | Jordan, MT | 106-lb. wolf that eluded trackers is finally shot from air. Tested for DNA samples, wolf is product of "human-manipulated breeding" in domestic, captive situation, says Montana Fish and Wildlife. Wolf is blamed for killing more than 120 sheep. If wolf's owner is identified, he will be liable for damages. (Greatfalls Tribune) |
| 11/01/06 | Gulf Breeze, FL | Zookeeper at The Zoo of Northwest Florida is injured by 2-year-old leopard after getting too close to cage. Zookeeper is treated for deep puncture wounds and lacerations to her hands at local hospital. (Pensacola News Journal) |
| 10/28/06 | Liberty Township, OH | Man who buys Rhesus monkey over Internet from Idaho woman is bitten on hand while feeding 16-lb. primate at his home. Man has option of getting rabies shots or giving up monkey to be tested, requiring euthanization as rabies test for animals is fatal. (Cincinnati Post, The Inquirer, and MiddletownJournal.com) |
| 10/25/06 | Marquette County, WI | Woman is bitten by her "pet" lemur and taken to hospital. (The Northwestern) |
| 10/16/06 | Monroe, MI | "Pet" wallaby or kangaroo escapes from his home and is subsequently found dead in neighbor's yard. (Monroe News) |
| 10/16/06 | Fleetwood, NC | Woman crosses barrier fence and puts her arm into cage to pet leopard at New River Zoo. Leopard bites her, causing severe cuts requiring surgery. Leopard is euthanized to test for rabies. Zoo subsequently closes temporarily, pending results of investigation into incident. (www.journalnow.com — online partner of Winston-Salem Journal) |
| 10/16/06 | Copley Township, OH | White tiger attacks USDA veterinarian during follow-up inspection of animals at L&L Exotic Animal Farm. Tiger grabs her right arm and pulls her toward cage. She suffers scratches, bruising, and torn clothing and is treated at Akron General Medical Center. Federal charges are currently pending against facility owner, who has been cited by USDA for 900 violations of animal care rules. (www.Ohio.com) |
| 10/13/06 | Chester, NY | "Pet" sika deer escapes from his pen by jumping over 8-ft. fence and is subsequently shot by hunter. (PostStar.com) |
| 10/06/06 | Ramapo, NY | 3-1/2-ft. wallaby spends 24 hours loose in countryside. Animal Control officers subsequently capture animal. (The Journal News) |
| 10/04/06 | Hesperia, CA | Tiger escapes from handler at Cinema Safari Zoo during preparations for photo shoot and attempts to attack donkey. Tiger is sedated and returned to cage. Donkey is not injured. (www.nbc4.tv) |
| 10/02/06 | South Florida | 31-year-old man is bitten on hand by his cobra snake. (The Ledger( |
| 09/12/06 | Nickerson, KS | 5 camels and 1 zebra escape from their enclosure. 4 camels are killed after causing 2 traffic accidents. Driver is taken to hospital with minor injuries. 5th camel and zebra are captured. (Kansascity.com) |
| 09/11/06 | Balm, FL | Tiger attacks man after he enters tiger's cage. Man suffers cuts on his left shoulder and gash on his lip that requires stitches. (St. Petersburg Times) |
| 09/07/06 | Grants Pass, OR | 3-ft. alligator is captured after being spotted in road. (Mail Tribune) |
| 09/05/06 | Gretna, NE | 3-ft. alligator is caught in drainage culvert. (Associated Press) |
| 09/05/06 | Lanesville, IN | 14-ft. python crushes his owner to death. (MSNMC.com) |
| 08/29/06 | Madisonville, TN | Wolf escapes from his cage in backyard and kills 2 dogs. Wolf is shot by police officer after baring teeth. Officer said he didn't want to kill wolf but was afraid for safety of people in neighborhood. (The Monroe County Advocate) |
| 08/28/06 | Oklahoma City, OK | Police are forced to corral escaped pet kangaroo with their cars, considering kangaroos potentially "vicious animals." (Associated Press) |
| 08/25/06 | Chicago, IL | Rhesus macaque kept as "pet" escapes from its cage and bites 14-year-old-girl severely enough that she is admitted to hospital. Monkey now resides at API Primate Sanctuary in Texas. (WBBM-TV) |
| 08/13/06 | Chippewa Falls, WI | Bobcat is killed by cougar after wandering into cougar cage when zookeeper forgets to lock door between cages at Irvine Park Zoo. (Chicago Sun-Times) |
| 08/13/06 | Bradley County, TN | 3-year-old girl is attacked by neighbor's escaped "pet" monkey as her grandmother buckles her into car seat. Grandmother takes girl to emergency room where stitches are required to close wounds to her face. (WDEF-TV) |
| 08/11/06 | Waldport, OR | 11-year-old girl is attacked by relative's 200-lb. "pet" deer. Girl suffers cuts and bruises to her skull and jaw before her father is able to stop attack. (KOIN-TV) | 08/10/06 | Knoxville, TN | "Pet" monkey is missing after being left at campsite. (WATE.com) |
| 08/08/06 | Lyon Township, MI | Man discovers African rock python in middle of street. It is presumed snake is escaped "pet." (Home Town Life) |
| 07/31/06 | Los Angeles, CA | Paris Hilton receives treatment in hospital emergency room after she is bitten on arm by her illegal pet kinkajou, Baby Luv. (TMZ.com) |
| 07/29/06 | Wallkill, CA | Capuchin monkey named Gucci escapes from small circus at annual Orange County Fair and is spotted perched on roadside guardrail. Monkey is still at large and public is urged not to attempt to capture monkey. (www.recordonline.com — Times Herald Record) |
| 07/18/06 | Brevard, NC | Grown 3-ft. caiman is found in French Broad River. Caiman is suspected to be abandoned "pet." (Citizen-Times) |
| 07/18/06 | Ballston Spa, NY | White Tiger named Calcutta slashes head of 4-year-old boy at Saratoga County Fair as child poses for photo holding baby kangaroo at exotic animal photo exhibit presented by Ashville Game Farm. Exhibit is continued, with minor adjustments (additional barrier installed and photo bench moved farther from cage). Calcutta is 1 of 2 tigers on display in sweltering summer heat. Saratoga County Fair also routinely features performing bear show. (www.wten.com, www.timesunion.com) |
| 07/16/06 | Westmoreland County, PA | Woman is mauled to death by her "pet" wolf-hybrid. She is found in animal's pen. (Tribune-Review) |
| 07/11/06 | Hanover, OH | Woman shoots and kills 2 of her neighbor's wolves and sheriff kills 3rd after wolves escape from their pen and attack 1 of woman's 3 dogs. (Associated Press) |
| 06/29/06 | Bismarck, ND | Startled by dog, wallaroo escaped from his pen and is loose. (The Bismarck Tribune) |
| 06/16/06 | East Palo Alto, CA | Marmoset on loose is captured by Animal Control. (Mercury News) |
| 06/15/06 | Dallas, TX | Bengal tiger escapes from enclosure due to electrical outage, and mauls landscape worker at Zoo Dynamics exotic animal facility. Man's wounds require more than 2,000 stitches. (www.cbs11tv.com) [Owner of Zoo Dynamics has previously been charged with multiple animal care and handling violations by USDA, as well as being charged in civil suit for alleged violations under his facility's previous name, ZooCats, Inc. Animals from Zoo Dynamics have also been involved in previous injury incidents (see 02/06/05). (www.terrelltribune.com)] |
| 06/15/06 | St. Louis, MO | Crocodile monitor escapes from his cage and roams streets. (STLtoday.com) |
| 06/13/06 | Sedgwick County, KS | Alligator is spotted loose in neighborhood. (KBSD) |
| 06/09/06 | Homestead, FL | 5-ft. caiman is found in backyard playground. (nbc6.net) |
| 06/07/06 | Carroll County, MD | 6-ft. kangaroo named Buddy escapes from Carroll County Petting Zoo when storms winds blow his cage door open. He is spotted by motorist about 1 mile away in cow pasture and is caught by net. (www.nbc4.com) |
| 06/07/06 | Solon, IA | 4-ft. South American caiman is fatally shot by resident who stumbles upon alligator-like animal after it escapes from Witty Kitties animal shelter. (The Iowa City Press Citizen) |
| 06/06/06 | Sunman, IN | Wallaby is captured by Animal Control offered after construction workers spot him. (WCPO) |
| 06/06/06 | Sikeston, MO | Boy is attacked by "pet" vervet monkey living in neighborhood. (Standard Democrat) |
| 06/05/06 | Park City, UT | Wallaroo is loose for more than month after escaping from his enclosure. He is subsequently captured and returned. (Deseret News) |
| 06/05/06 | Ludington, MI | Animal Control officers find alligator in park and capture him. Officers locate "owner" who states he could no longer afford to keep animal so he let alligator go. (WZZM13) |
| 05/29/06 | Cumberland County, NC | 2 servals escape or are released from their enclosures. 1 is found. (www.fayettevillenc.com) |
| 05/26/06 | Ashtabula County, OH | 500-lb. bear escapes from his pen, breaks into woman's house, and mauls her. Woman is hospitalized with bruised lung, broken rib, and lacerations. (Star Beacon) |
| 05/24/06 | Danbury, WI | Animal Control officers seize 19 wolf-dog hybrids after they are found unattended, chained to trees, with no food and shelter. (KSTP) |
| 05/18/06 | Copley, OH | Bear cub is killed in fire at exotic animal farm. Officials say there were at least 3 bears, 1 lion, and another wild cat in cages behind exotic animal farm. (NewsNet5.com) |
| 05/04/06 (reported) |
White Hills, AZ | 2 tigers at Keepers of the Wild animal sanctuary attack woman; she requires surgery. Owner of sanctuary apparently does not report incident, but USDA finds out and opens investigation into attack. (KLASTV.com) |
| 04/30/06 | Colts Neck, NJ | Wild cat is spotted roaming neighborhood near school. It is suspected animal is mountain lion or other large cat. (Asbury Park Press) |
| 04/11/06 | Labelle, FL | Owner of nature preserve is bitten by 8-ft. alligator and dragged 15 feet into water after he tries stunt of jumping on alligator's back for ride and wrestling alligator. Man suffers shattered pinky, broken ring finger, and puncture wounds to his hand. Despite incident, he states he is unlikely to give up alligator wrestling. (Associated Press) |
| 04/07/06 | Kissimmee, FL | 7 children and 1 adult are injured when horse at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament tramples group of students during field trip. 4 children are taken to hospital. (Internet Broadcasting Systems, Local6.com) |
| 04/06/06 | Naples, FL | Man crashes his car after his snake wraps around his neck and begins attacking him. (Associated Press) |
| 03/29/06 | Duxbury, MN | 500-lb. Bengal tiger attacks and kills 52-year-old woman on her property where she keeps many other tigers. Man hired to do controlled burn on property finds her mauled body in one of several tiger pens. Tiger is so out of control investigators must euthanize feline to reach woman's body. (wcco.com) |
| 03/25/06 | Cullman County, AL | Big cat, suspected to be tiger, is spotted roaming in local community. (The Birmingham News) |
| 03/22/06 | Durham, SC | Durham health officials are trying to contact parents whose children may have been exposed to rare and potentially fatal disease at day care facility whose owner keeps exotic animals. County Health Director Biran Letourneau says children may have been exposed to bayliasascaris, also known as raccoon roundworm. |
| 03/19/06 (reported) |
Santa Barbara County, CA | State of California orders Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch to be shut down and now Jackson is selling off his exotic animals, including elephants, tigers, orangutans, crocodile, and giraffes, for as little as one-quarter of their true value. A later report (04/26/06) states that Jackson has quietly employed staff to care for his animals, which remain in his Neverland zoo. (The Daily Record [Scotland]) |
| 03/08/06 | Gainesville, FL | Trucker transporting tiger to Putnam County Fair is bitten and suffers severed tendons in his forearm after sticking his arm in tiger's cage. (Associated Press) |
| 03/05/06 | Bell County, TX | Rhesus monkey bites person. Monkey is euthanized. (KCEN-TV) |
| 03/01/06 | Marborough, MA | 2 zoo workers suffer injuries while handling elephant for rides at RW Commerfords Kids Fun Fair and Traveling Zoo. Trainer receives chest injury when elephant pins him against wall and another employee placing children on elephant for rides receives broken arm. Both are transported to hospital by ambulance. (Metro West Daily News) |
| 03/01/06 | Warrenton, MO | Sandra and Kenneth Smith, owners of Wesa-A-Geh-Ya animal facility, settle with USDA after being charged with violations of Animal Welfare Act. Smiths agree to civil penalty of $13,000 and revoking of their AWA license. Although Smiths no longer have USDA exhibitor's license or AWA license, no law prevents them from keeping their animals under little supervision from any state or federal agency. (Warrenton Journal) |
| 02/23/06 | Alva, FL | Man is hospitalized after being attacked by his neighbor's wallaroo. Animal escapes from his pen after digging hole under fence of his enclosure and attacks man before he is shot. (The News Press) |
| 02/10/06 | Richmond, VA | Maymont's only 2 black bears are euthanized after 1 bites Richmond toddler. Bears are euthanized to be tested for rabies. Memorial service for bears is attended by 500 mourners. City is still investigating actions of child's mother. (Associated Press) |
| 02/09/06 | Craig, CO | 56-year-old man is killed by captive elk while he attempts to feed animal. (The Craig Daily Press) |
| 02/05/06 | Temperance, MI | More than 4 dozen exotic and native animals perish overnight in barn fire at Nature's Creek Petting Zoo. Firefighters are unable to enter structure to rescue any animals. Cause of fire is under investigation, but appears to be accident. (The Blade, toledoblade.com) |
| 02/02/06 | Moorpark, CA | Feznick, 4-year-old kangaroo, undergoes plastic surgery to repair his lip due to injuries from wolf bite received at Kern County farm for Hollywood animals last year. Feznick appears at corporate events and has been featured in movie for which he walked red carpet at opening. Plastic surgeon performs lip surgery free of charge and it is first time he has ever worked on any animal. (The Sacramento Bee) |
| 02/01/06 | Willmar, MN | Cougar is captured roaming neighborhood very close to elementary school. (WCCO-TV) |
| 01/25/06 | Flora, IL | 80-year-old worker at Spotted Acres farm and petting zoo is mauled by black bear. Closed to public for several years, farm's animals include bears, camels, and ostriches. Called in because black bear escaped its cage, part-time worker steps out of his truck holding bag of dog food, and bear goes after dog food with tragic results. Clay County deputies shoot bear to halt attack and man dies soon after in nearby hospital. Deputies kill another bear "at owner's request" for unstated reasons. (Chicago Tribune) |
| 01/01/06 | Princeton, IA | Elderly couple is attacked by deer they had been illegally raising as "pet." Both are hospitalized and eight-point buck is shot and killed by sheriff's department. (Quad City Times) |
| 12/31/05 | Colleyville, TX | Jake, 1-year-old kangaroo, escapes out open back gate at Colby's Xtreme Pets and travels half-mile down Texas highway 26. Startled passerby calls 911. (Star-Telegram) |
| 12/25/05 | St. Louis, MO | Man is bitten by his cobra as he tries to feed animal. (STLtoday.com) |
| 12/21/05 | Tulsa, OK | Bobcat hybrid bites child at shopping mall after "owner" takes animal to use restroom. (Newsok.com) |
| 12/11/05 | Chanute, KS | "Pet" bear escapes from his cage and attacks sheriff's deputy's patrol car. Sheriff deputy has gone to house where bear is located, discovers bear is not in his cage. Deputy runs back to his patrol car, where bear follows him and climbs up on driver's side. Bear is captured. This is not first escape for this bear. (www.leadingthecharge.com) |
| 12/07/05 | Los Angeles, CA | Paris Hilton takes her "pet" kinkajou, Baby Luv, shopping with her and is attacked as animal claws at her face. Paris is notified it is illegal to have exotic "pets" in California and Baby Luv is relocated outside state. (Fox News) |
| 12/01/05 | Foley, AL | 2-year-old healthy Bengal tiger at Kids Country Zoo is euthanized and stuffed and mounted for display at zoo. Several individuals offer to take tiger rather than see it put down, including Tiger Haven in Tennessee, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, and facility in Texas, but zoo's owner says tiger is dangerous and opts to administer lethal injection of medication instead. Baldwin County District Attorney has launched investigation. (Mobile Register) |
| 11/26/05 | Covington, KY | "Pet" monkey escapes from his home and is loose for several days until recapture. (Cincinnati Post) |
| 11/16/05 | Greensboro, NC | Serval escapes for 2nd time from his home (see 10/09/05 incident). Serval is in basement of house when he pushes through panel and escapes. (Yes! Weekly) |
| 11/15/05 | Greenwich, NY | Tahan, 7-year-old tiger at Ashville Game Farm and Exotic Zoo, escapes through top of her pen after pushing free section of chain fence that is nailed across top of cage. Tahan is found in yard of home, tranquilized, and returned to zoo. Tahan formerly performed with Florida-based circus. (The Post Star) |
| 11/14/05 | Stuart, FL | Fisherman catches 11-ft. Burmese python. Snake is suspected of being abandoned "pet." (UPI) |
| 11/11/05 | Phoenix, AZ | Family is attacked by neighbors' "pet" monkey in their front yard. Monkey escapes from his home and bites 2 children. (CNN Daybreak) |
| 10/24/05 | Pontotoc, MS | Kinkajou escapes and attacks 82-year-old woman. Woman is sweeping her porch when kinkajou jumps on her and wraps his tail around her arm. Woman receives 20 stitches after being attacked and repeatedly bitten by animal. Woman's son captures kinkajou and is also bitten. (Sun Herald) |
| 10/15/05 | Ottumwa, IA | 8-ft. snake is found wrapped around car engine. It is suspected snake is abandoned "pet." (The Ottumwa Courier) |
| 10/11/05 | Piscataway, NJ | Woman finds alligator in her backyard. Alligator is abandoned "pet." (Home News Tribune) |
| 10/10/05 | Miami-Dade, FL | Python devours turkey then gets stuck in fence. Snake is abandoned "pet." (St. Petersburg Times) |
| 10/09/05 | Greensboro, NC | Serval escapes from his home. (News-Record) |
| 10/08/05 | Miami-Dade, FL | 10-to-12-ft. python devours 18-lb. Siamese cat. Snake is abandoned "pet." (Sun Sentinel) |
| 09/29/05 | Queens, NY | Auto body shop mechanic finds 2 baby alligators abandoned in tank dumped in back of car. (Newsday) |
| 09/28/05 | Lewis County, WA | 5-year-old boy is attacked by tiger cub while cub is outside cage. (King 5 News) |
| 09/21/05 | Mount Dora, FL | 2 zebras escape from their pens and wander on state road. Zebras are injured after truck slams into them. (www.wftv.com) |
| 09/16/05 | Clark County, OH | Kangaroo is spotted on loose. (Springfield News-Sun) |
| 09/14/05 | Wilmington, DE | 8-ft. Argentina boa and 3 4–6-ft. boas are found abandoned at apartment. (News Journal) |
| 09/11/05 | Boone County, MS | Wallaby is found dead after being hit by car on rural road. Wallaby has been loose since April. (Columbia Tribune) |
| 09/10/05 | Bridgeport, TX | 4-month-old tiger is found wandering in and out of traffic near interstate exit. Cub escaped from back of possessor's pick-up truck. (Texarkana Gazette) |
| 09/06/05 | Royal, NE | Director of unaccredited Nebraska Zoo shoots and kills 3 chimpanzees when they escape from their pens. Chimpanzees escape when keeper leaves padlock unlocked after routine cleaning. Remaining chimpanzee is sent to private breeding operation near Kansas City. (Associated Press) |
| 08/27/05 | Brackenridge, PA | 2-ft. alligator, Crocus, escapes from his backyard enclosure and is captured by girl. (Associated Press) |
| 08/25/05 | San Antonio, TX | Jackson, baby monkey at Primarily Primates, is captured after he escapes his enclosure through hole in chain link fence. Walter Swett, facility owner, says Southwest Foundation has trained him in how to capture animals for Biomedical Research. (San Antonio News 4 WOAI) |
| 08/19/05 | Mt. Pleasant Township, PA | Woman suffers sprained wrist and possibly torn ligaments when Asian elephant on exhibit at Westmoreland Fair grabs her wrist with her trunk after woman reaches to pet 8,200-lb. pachyderm. Jewel is 1 of 2 elephants owned by Cole Bros. Circus and leased to Wambold's Circus Menagerie, Florida-based act that travels country with several exotic animals. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, News-Journal Corporation) |
| 08/18/05 | Leominster, MA | Police officer is attacked by "pet" squirrel as he arrests squirrel's possessor. (www.local6.com) |
| 08/17/05 | Altamont, KS | 17-year-old girl is attacked and killed by Siberian tiger during photo-op for her high school senior portrait. 7-year-old tiger was being restrained by trainer Doug Billingsly, owner of Lost Creek Animal Sanctuary and Animal Entertainment Productions, where attack occurred. (Associated Press) |
| 08/12/05 | Bovey, MN | 1,400-lb. male buffalo attacks and kills his caregiver at Zerebko Zoo-Tran Farm, exotic animal farm that raises and exhibits exotic animals. Woman was watching farm while owners were away on county fair tour. (Star Tribune) |
| 08/11/05 | Beeville, TX | Woman turns her "pet" mangabey monkey over to wildlife sanctuary after he bites her. (www.kristv.com) |
| 08/10/05 | Harbor City, CA | 5-ft. alligator is found in Machado Lake. Alligator is abandoned "pet." Person who abandoned animal is charged with illegal possession and release of animal. (http://abclocal.go.com, Los Angeles Times) |
| 08/05/05 | White River, IN | 4-1/2-ft. alligator is found in pond near residential area. It is suspected alligator is abandoned "pet." (Indianapolis Star) |
| 08/01/05 | Ann Arbor, MI | 42-inch alligator is found abandoned by veterinary hospital. It is suspected alligator is abandoned "pet." (Ann Arbor News) |
| 07/18/05 | Elgin, IL | Monkey on loose is sighted by several people and reported to police and animal control. (www.nbc5.com) |
| 07/11/05 | Steuben County, NY | Alligator is found in western New York Creek bed. 20-lb., 4-ft. alligator has been placed in new location. (NBC/WHEC TV-10) |
| 06/27/05 | Noble County, OH | 3-ft. monkey, Buddy, escapes from his home, jumps into pick-up truck and bites 20-year-old man on leg before fleeing. (www.nbc4i.com) |
| 06/26/05 | South Bend, IN | Kangaroo is spotted loose in South Bend neighborhood. (South Bend Tribune) |
| 06/24/05 | Moorehead, KY | Monkey leaps out of driver's window as his possessor picks up order at fast food drive-through window. Monkey, Boo Boo, hangs onto clerk's hand and bites and injures restaurant worker. (http://abclocal.go.com) |
| 06/22/05 | Mandeville, FL | 12-ft. python escapes from mobile home. (The Advocate) |
| 06/21/05 | Little Falls, MN | 10-year-old boy is attacked by tiger then lion while he and his dad visit their friend. Tiger and lion are being kept at auto part store along with 9 other large cats. Boy suffers brain injury and severed spinal cord which leaves child quadriplegic and dependent on respirator. (Associated Press, Brainer Dispatch) |
| 06/16/05 | Calais, ME | 2 wolf-hybrids attack neighbor's dog. Same wolf-hybrids involved 06/02 incident. (Bangor Daily News) |
| 06/16/05 | Alton, MO | 2 "pet" snow monkeys escape from their home and are later captured. Both animals test positive for Herpes B virus and are euthanized. (St. Louis Dispatch) |
| 06/11/05 | Medford, OR | After 3 days on loose, Usal, 3-1/2-ft. alligator, is found and returned to his possessor. (Seattle Times) |
| 06/11/05 | Underwood, MN | Lion is killed by Otter Tail County sheriff after escaping from his cage at Archangel Wildlife Farm. (Associated Press) |
| 06/06/05 | Allen County, OH | Man is attacked by his "pet" 3-year-old, 160-lb. mountain lion. Man grabs mountain lion's tail to prevent animal from attacking his mother and is subsequently bitten. (Lima News) |
| 06/05/05 | Desert Hot Springs, CA | 1-year-old alligator is found wandering streets. (www.kesq.com) |
| 06/03/05 | Johnson City, TN | "Pet" bobcat is captured after animal escapes from his enclosure. (www.tricities.com) |
| 05/14/05 | Montville, NJ | Zebra and horse with traveling animal act as part of Green Meadows Cultural Events show jump fence of their corrals. Horse is found short distance away, but zebra roams for 2 miles before being located in residential area. (Associated Press) |
| 05/07/05 | Kennewick, WA | Cougar is found atop car parked in auto repair shop. It is believed that cougar has been hiding undetected in crawl space for up to 6 days. Fish and Wildlife believes that cougar is someone's "pet." (Herald) |
| 04/09/05 | Huntington, WV | 13-year-old girl suffers injuries after Capuchin monkey bites her kneecap and finger. (Herald Dispatch) |
| 04/09/05 | St. Joseph, MO | Young girl is bitten by 5-ft. python during educational presentation at "Experience Western" on Missouri Western State College campus. Display also includes alligator, chameleon, tarantula, and turtle. Girl is treated at hospital and released. (KQTV St. Joseph) |
| 03/20/05 | Thackery, IL | 4-year-old girl is recovering from injuries she sustains when she is bitten by cougar. Girl reaches into pen that houses "pet" cougar and animal bites girl's hand and arm. (Courier Press) |
| 03/17/05 | Reading, PA | Serval cat escapes from her home and is recaptured some 5 hours later. (Reading Eagle) |
| 03/17/05 | Campe Verde, AZ | 2 North American wolves attack their animal handler inside exhibit at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Woman is airlifted to hospital after she suffers major injuries to her arms and legs, requiring surgery. (The Arizona Republic) |
| 03/15/05 | Orlando, FL | Man is arrested while traveling in Florida and faces charges for having tiger cub and cougar cub without required permits. Cubs are staying at McCarthy Wildlife Sanctuary in Florida and won't be released unless man secures necessary permits. Man is co-owner of Arcangel Wildlife in Underwood, MN, which is under investigation after girl is hurt by tiger earlier this month. See 03/03/05 incident. (The Forum) |
| 03/06/05 | Sterling Heights, MI | Big cat is spotted on loose. (Yahoo News) |
| 03/03/05 | Underwood, MN | 16-year-old girl babysitting for co-owner of Arcangel Wildlife is injured when she pets 1 of 10 tigers on property. Tiger causes lacerations to her hand requiring about 12 stitches. Later that night, serious infection sets in and she needs 3 successive operations to her hand. (The Forum) |
| 02/28/05 | Caliente, CA | 4 chimpanzees escaped from their cages and attack man and woman visiting another chimpanzee at Animal Haven Ranch. Man is severely mauled, requiring extensive surgery, and woman loses finger. Animal Haven employee fatally shoots 2 chimpanzees to stop attack and other 2 chimps remain loose for several hours before being captured. (Associated Press, The Bakersfield Californian) |
| 02/26/05 | Medina, WA | Several sightings reported of large reptiles in Lake Washington. (Seattle Times) |
| 02/17/05 | Wellington, FL | 500-lb. Bengal tiger escapes from Panther Ridge Sanctuary after his caretaker neglects to latch his cage. 4-year-old tiger is loose for 2 hours before being tranquilized and returned to his cage. His owner is cited for 2nd-degree misdemeanor, escaped captive wildlife. (South Florida Sun-Sentinel) |
| 02/15/05 | Englewood, FL | 13-ft. python is found in busy street in Englewood. (Sun Herald) |
| 02/12/05 | Pemberville, OH | Big cat is spotted on loose in Pemberville area. (www.wtol.com) |
| 02/06/05 | Tampa Bay, FL | Tiger cub bites woman's hand during exhibit at Tampa Bay Auto Mall. 2 adult tigers and 2 cubs are on display so people can have their photographs taken with tigers. Tigers are supplied by Bottomline Events, in conjunction with Zoo Dynamics, which provides animals to zoos and exhibits. Their caretaker is charged with unsafe handling of captive wildlife, resulting in injury to person. (St. Petersburg Times) |
| 02/03/05 | Bucyrus, OH | Man is rushed to hospital after being bitten by his rhinoceros viper snake, 1 of world's deadliest snakes. He receives antivenin and survives attack. (Channelcincinnati.com, nc4i.com) |
| 02/02/05 | Los Angeles, CA | Serval escapes from his home and is spotted roaming neighborhood. (abclocal.go.com) |
| 02/01/05 | Glen Burnie, MD | Capuchin monkey is stolen from home. Animal is subsequently found and couple who stole her are charged with 1st degree burglary, 4th-degree burglary, and theft. (www.hometownannapolis.com, Baltimore Sun) |
| 01/31/05 | Winfield, IN | Wild feline is spotted on the loose. (Post Tribune) |
| 01/22/05 | Vero Beach, FL | Serval is found dragging his left leg through underbrush around sports complex. Serval has to be euthanized after it is discovered animal has broken back. (www.tcpalm.com) |
| 01/20/05 | Bronx, NY | Rattlesnake bites 38-year-old man on his hand while he moves snake from 1 tank to another. It is illegal to keep venomous snakes within city limits. (New York Daily News) |
| 01/20/05 | Baraboo, WI | Lion cub at Creature Features Pet Store bites 8-year-old girl visiting store. Baraboo police order pet store owner to quarantine cub for at least 10 days. (www.wiscnews.com) |
| 01/11/05 | Fenton, MI | Woman is treated for potentially serious hand wound after being bitten by her friend's rattlesnake. (The Flint Journal) |
| 01/08/05 | Rockland, DE | There have been several sightings of cougar loose. It is suspected that there could be 2 loose and that they could be escaped or dumped "pets." (wwe.cgi.delawareonline.com) |
| 01/08/05 | Cleveland and Gaston County, NC | 2 tiger cubs are found wandering along highway on Gaston and Cleveland County border. Both tigers are captured, discovered to be female and apparently from same litter. Tigers will be placed at Carnivore Preservation Trust. (Shelby Star) |
| 01/07/05 | Eureka Springs, AR | Man releases his "pet" tiger near town of Erbie along Buffalo River. Tiger finds his way back home, trekking some 60 miles of wilderness. Man subsequently delivers tiger to wildlife sanctuary. (The Arkansas Democrat) |
| 01/06/05 | Madison, WI | Kangaroo is found 50 miles west of Madison. Kangaroo is subsequently captured. (www.madison.com) |
| 02/07/04 | Dunlap, IN | Man and his dog are attacked by wolf-hybrid while going for walk in local neighborhood. Dog does not survive attack. (South Bend Tribune) |
| 12/05/04 | Eagle, WI | Man is bitten by his cobra while trying to feed him. Man is given antivenin and survives. (www.gmtoday.com) |
| 11/20/04 | North Liberty, IN | Man is killed when his gnu (AKA wildebeest) attacks and tramples him. (South Bend Tribune) |
| 11/19/04 | St. Augustine, FL | 350-lb. Siberian tiger, being walked on leash, attacks and injures 14-year-old boy at St. John's County Fair. Tiger's handler is also attacked and injured when he attempts to pull tiger off boy. Incident is brought under control only after 2 police officers fire Taser stun guns at tiger. Handler is owner of Catty Shack Ranch where tiger resides. (Associated Press) |
| 11/17/04 | Glen Burnie, MD | Capuchin monkey is stolen from her home. Animal is subsequently found and couple who stole her are charged with 1st degree burglary, 4th-degree burglary, and theft. (www.hometownannapolis.com, Baltimore Sun) |
| 11/15/04 | New Haven, CT | 15-ft. python escapes from his enclosure. Possessors also had 2 crocodiles and Argentinean boa constrictor which were confiscated because in Connecticut it is illegal to possess them. (www.wtnh.com) |
| 11/13/04 | Bristow, OK | African serval escapes from cage at Wilderness Safari and is shot and killed by hunter. Hunter notifies operator of wild animal park of killing and says he skinned cat and put hide in his freezer. (Tulsa World) |
| 11/13/04 | Gentry, AR | Bengal tiger pulls flesh off right middle finger of woman visiting Wild Wilderness Drive Thru Safari after she reportedly places her hand in tiger's cage. See 01/17/02 entry for another incident involving Wild Wilderness Drive Thru Safari. (NWAnews.com) |
| 11/12/04 | Port St. Lucie, FL | Vanilla Ice's "pet" wallaroo escapes from backyard and is loose. Animal is later found and returned. (Palm Beach Post) |
| 11/09/04 | Palm Springs, CA | Chimpanzee runs through residential neighborhood after escaping from Casa de Cheeta sanctuary for rehabilitation of show business primates. 16-year-old chimpanzee knocks on residence doors and windows after owner of sanctuary forgets to latch chimpanzee's security door. 2nd security door is installed to prevent any further incidents. (The Desert Sun) |
| 11/06/04 | Chambersburg, PA | Man pleads guilty to several charges of unlawful possession of Canadian timber wolf after wolf escapes and runs loose through neighborhood. Wolf is confiscated and transferred to menagerie in another part of state. (Pennsylvania Game Commission Press Release, 11/09/04) |
| 11/01/04 | Sarasota, FL | 18-year-old circus worker is bitten by bear while trying to break up aggressive behavior among several bears at Big Cat Habitat. He is flown to Bayfront Medical Center where he is listed in fair condition. (The Tampa Tribune) |
| 10/31/04 | Fordland, MO | Former circus elephant pushes through fence to escape from farm and is found following day. 40-year-old, 5-ton female Asian elephant has several cuts when found, which her caretaker says are likely from making her way through fence. (Associated Press, Springfield.news-leader.com) |
| 10/24/04 | Wills Point, TX | Barbary ape is shot at Cash Wiley's Exotic Animal Ranch by unknown shooter. Incident is being investigated by Van Zandt County Sheriff's Department. Monkey, named Rascal, is found floating in pond day after Halloween. Rascal was dominant male in group of 7 primates. (www.wfaa.com, The Dallas Morning News) |
| 10/19/04 | Long Beach, IN | 2-ft. alligator is found in surf near shore of Lake Michigan. Alligator is recaptured. (Northwest Indiana News) |
| 10/15/04 | Columbia, TN | Serval escapes from her residence through storm door and is loose for 3 weeks. She is subsequently captured 11/10/04. (www.tennessean.com) |
| 10/12/04 | Birmingham, AL | 5-year-old boy is bitten by his family's "pet" wolf. Boy survives attack but wolf is euthanized. (www.waff.com) |
| 10/07/04 | Yonkers, NY | Passengers waiting for subway see 10-ft. snake curled up on tracks. Snake is later run over by train. (New York Times) |
| 10/01/04 | Las Vegas, NV | Serval escapes from his home and is subsequently recaptured by Animal Control. (Las Vegas Sun) |
| 09/30/04 | Lewisboro, NY | After eluding searchers for 3 days, albino wallaby is found dead, apparently killed by car. Wallaby escaped from menagerie of exotic animals kept on estate. (Newsday) |
| 09/19/04 | Sumpter Township, MI | Resident reports he came face-to-face with cougar near his home. Animal Control states cougar could be someone's "pet" that escaped. (Detroit Free Press) |
| 09/11/04 | Lynwood, IL | Cougar is spotted in suburban neighborhood. It is suspected that cougar escaped from some type of captive situation. (Washington Times) |
| 09/08/04 | Peoria, IL | Worker at Wildlife Prairie State Park is in critical condition after black bear mauls him. 5-year-old bear is out of his den when worker enters bear's pen to feed him. Officials think gate to bear's den had been left unlocked. Worker suffers severe leg injuries and nerve damage. (Associated Press) |
| 09/06/04 | Trenton, ME | Employee of Acadia Zoological Park is seriously injured by 13-year-old leopard. Details of incident are not released. Man is taken to nearby hospital with injuries to his face and arm. Zoo declines to say whether leopard was quarantined or destroyed. (Associated Press) |
| 09/04/04 | North College Hill, OH | Woman dies after being bitten by her venomous snake. Her house was home to 10 venomous snakes and 13 non-venomous reptiles. (The Enquirer) |
| 08/31/04 | Bay St. Louis, MS | 17-ft. Burmese python escapes from his enclosure and is loose for 4 days before he is recaptured. (Sun Herald) |
| 08/06/04 | Fort Polk, LA | 1-year-old tiger is loose in thick brush area surrounding Army base. (The Town Talk) |
| 08/04/04 | Belfair, WA | 8-ft. alligator escapes and is likely living in Trails End Lake. (www.KIROTV.com) |
| 08/03/04 | Madison, WI | 2nd child is sickened by salmonella after handling small turtles. Parents purchased some small turtles and 2 days later their 4-year-old daughter becomes ill. (Associated Press) |
| 08/01/04 | Lucas County, OH | 3 bobcats escape from their enclosure after someone cuts hole in cage. 1 bobcat returns home and other 2 are still loose. (www.onnnews.com) |
| 08/01/04 | Brooklyn, NY | Darla, 5-year-old macaque monkey, bites 2-year-old boy being wheeled by his grandparents in shopping cart at grocery store. (Newsday) |
| 07/29/04 | Severn, MD | Wallaby is spotted wandering in backyard of family's home. 2 months later — 10/01/04 — wallaby is captured. (The Washington Times) |
| 07/26/04 | Zanesville, OH | Wild cat sighted in area has been linked to attack on pony. Wildlife research technician believes wild cat is probably someone's "pet." Cat is spotted on 09/29/04 in front yard of house. (Times Recorder) |
| 07/23/04 | Shepherdsville, KY | 50-lb. 2-year-old declawed snow leopard escapes from his cage while being transferred between cages in box. Something startles cat and he breaks through wire gate and runs into woods behind house. Leopard is located 9 days after being loose and returned to his home. (www.whas11.com and Courier-Journal News) |
| 07/12/04 | Vero Beach, FL | 16-ft. Burmese python is captured on city street after passing motorist spots animal. Animal Control Officer suspects snake escaped or was let loose. (Associated Press) |
| 07/08/04 | Loxahatchee, FL | 6-year-old tiger belonging to actor who played Tarzan escapes from his enclosure, jumps 12-ft. fence that surrounds the property. Tiger is later located and killed. (Newsday) |
| 07/07/04 | Derry, NH | Alligator Alice escapes from her enclosed pond for 2nd time in week. (The Union Leader) |
| 07/06/04 | Grand Rapids, MI | Iguana escapes from his cage and crawls out window of his possessor's van while being transported to veterinarian. (Associated Press) |
| 07/05/04 | St. Charles, MN | Escaped monkey bites 2 people at Winona County fairgrounds. 5 monkeys from Staples Safari Zoo and Animal Rescue escape when 2 boys pry open locked trailer door. 4 monkeys are quickly captured, but 5th flees, and bites when cornered. People who catch monkey and are bitten receive rabies shots while monkey is placed in quarantine. (Associated Press) |
| 07/04/04 | Macomb County, MI | Long-tailed macaque is found scampering through neighborhood backyard. (Detroit Free Press) |
| 07/03/04 | Temecula, CA | Nevada resident visiting friends in Temecula loses his 8-year-old spider monkey when monkey jumps out of car outside restaurant. (Press Enterprise) |
| 07/01/04 | Mandeville, FL | For 2nd time in 2 years, 16-ft. python escapes from mobile home. (The Advocate) |
| 06/12/04 | Mishawaka, IN | 5-ft. boa constrictor is found in middle of street hit by car. (South Bend Tribune) |
| 06/12/04 | Wrightstown, PA | Australian wallaby, Melbourne, escapes from private petting zoo and wanders surrounding area for more than 2 weeks. According to zoo's owner, Melbourne is "not friendly." Melbourne is eventually trapped and returned to zoo. (CBS 3: KYW-TV, Philadelphia Daily News) |
| 06/01/04 | Jonesboro, AR | Escaped 6-ft. Burmese "pet" python is found slithering through garden of local resident. (KAIT8.com) |
| 05/30/04 | Plymouth, CT | "Pet" wallaby escapes from his home and is spotted by 2 residents. (The Hartford Courant) |
| 05/28/04 | Buckhead, GA | Escaped lynx is caught and returned to man who also breeds lynx for sale to circuses, zoos, and other commercial exhibitors. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution) |
| 05/23/04 | Ross County, OH | 33-year-old woman suffers injuries to her arm when lioness "owned" by her father attacks her. Lion is shot and killed. (Chillicothe Gazette) |
| 05/23/04 | Brutus, NY | Woman loses part of her arm when she is mauled while attempting to pet caged bear in private zoo. She is driven to hospital where her arm is amputated just below elbow. (The Post-Standard) |
| 05/11/04 | Weedsport, NY | College student's arm is mangled by caged "pet" bear kept as part of exotic animal menagerie. 22-year-old girl's left arm is amputated 2 inches below elbow. (The Post-Standard) |
| 05/05/04 | Albuquerque, NM | Man visiting Rio Grande Zoo sticks his finger into jaguar's cage, and cat bites off finger. Man flees scene untreated. (Associated Press) |
| 05/04/04 | Snohomish County, WA | Woman reports that her father's 10-ft. python snake has escaped from its enclosure. (Seattle Times) |
| 05/04/04 | Gahanna, OH | Search is on to find escaped "pet" lion spotted by several residents including police officers. (Associated Press) |
| 05/04/04 | Brenham, TX | Large snake is spotted roaming neighborhood. (Banner Press) |
| 05/03/04 | Lake County, IL | As many as 50 residents report seeing what appears to be cougar during course of past 2 months. Officials believe the animal is an escaped or released "pet." (Chicago Tribune) |
| 05/01/04 | Glenwood Springs, CO | 7-year-old girl suffers injuries to her face when wolf-hybrid jumps up and bites her while she is taking pictures of animals for school project. (Post Independent) |
| 04/22/04 | Silver Springs, FL | Adult brown bear at Silver Springs' World of Bears bites bearkeeper's arm near shoulder, according to press statement. Keeper is hospitalized for treatment. Bear will be quarantined for 10 days for observation. (WESH.com, Newschannel 2) |
| 04/22/04 | Dallas, TX | 2 "pet" cobra snakes escape from their enclosure 1 week earlier and have since terrified some residents of condominium complex. No cobra antivenin is available in or around Dallas. (Star-Telegram) |
| 04/15/04 | Lakeland, FL | 2 "pet" wolf-hybrids attack and kill neighbor's dog after they escape from their own yard. These hybrids are 2 of 16 wolf-hybrids kept in neighborhood backyard. (The Ledger) |
| 04/12/04 | Indio Hills, CA | 200-lb. tiger escapes from his enclosure and is later returned. (NewsChannel 3) |
| 04/11/04 | East Manatee, FL | 2 giant pythons are found in ditch by county workers. Snakes likely released by their "owner" or escaped their enclosure, although no one has reported them missing. (Sarasota Herald-Tribune) |
| 04/07/04 | Rose Hill, VA | Snake-handling pastor dies in his home after being bitten on finger by rattlesnake while he is performing Pentecostal Easter service. (Richmond Times Dispatch) |
| 04/05/04 | Long Island, NY | 75-lb. ocelot escapes basement where she is kept as "pet" and is thought to be prowling woods around ritzy community of North Shore. (www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland) |
| 04/03/04 | East Knoxville, TN | "Pet" bobcat escapes from her enclosure and remains at large. This is 3rd time possessor has asked authorities to help her locate her missing animal. (Knoxville News-Sentinel) |
| 03/27/04 | Boston, MA | Burmese python wraps tightly around its possessor and bites down on her wrist for more than 20 minutes before police arrive to remove snake. (Boston Herald) |
| 03/25/04 | Philadelphia, PA | Escaped "pet" wolf is captured and taken to animal control facility where he waits for his "owner" to claim him. It is illegal to keep wolf in city of Philadelphia. (NBC10.com) |
| 03/19/04 | Lee County, FL | 2 Cotton-Top Tamarin monkeys are reported missing from their cage. (The News-Press) |
| 03/17/04 | Tulsa, OK | Woman finds 2-ft. alligator in her flower bed. (Tulsa World) |
| 03/11/04 | Massena, NY | 4-year-old is mauled by 1 of her grandmother's "pet" cougars. Child is hospitalized for bruises to head and is treated for eye injury. (www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/) |
| 03/09/04 | Libertyville, IL | Illinois officials disclose receiving multiple calls from locals who report seeing cougar in area. Since there have not been mountain lions here since 1860s, animal is likely escaped or released "pet." (Chicago Tribune) |
| 03/07/04 | East Limestone, AK | 9-year-old cougar escapes his cage and spends night prowling his "owner's" property before being captured and recaged. (Associated Press) |
| 03/05/04 | Green County, OH | "Pet" bear escapes from its barn, but is caught shortly thereafter. This animal is 1 of bears mentioned on 02/17/04. Remaining "pet" black bears are seized by animal control officers. (Associated Press) |
| 02/24/04 | Porter, IN | Veterinarian with 35 years' experience handling snakes narrowly avoids death when he is bitten by "pet" rattlesnake. Antivenin is located and administered at last minute. (Associated Press) |
| 02/17/04 | Lawrence, KS | Several people reported seeing cougar roaming within city limits. Wildlife officials could not confirm reintroduction of wild mountain lions into state and suggest possibility that this is escaped or released "pet." (Lawrence Journal-World) |
| 02/17/04 | Dade City, FL | "Pet" cougar is found lounging near neighbor's pool 3/10ths of mile away from his home. Animal's possessor retrieves animal without incident, but she will have to appear in court for allowing cougar to escape. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 02/14/04 | Green County, OH | Escaped 250-lb. bear is caught after 1 night and confined to cage with 2 other bears. Her "owner" has total of 10 bears, which he keeps in his yard behind 6-ft. chainlink fence. (Dayton Daily News) |
| 02/24/04 | Lawrence, KS | Several people reported seeing cougar roaming within city limits. Wildlife officials could not confirm reintroduction of wild mountain lions into state and suggest possibility that this is escaped or released "pet." (Lawrence Journal-World) |
| 02/17/04 | Dade City, FL | "Pet" cougar is found lounging near neighbor's pool 3/10ths of mile away from his home. Animal's possessor retrieves animal without incident, but she will have to appear in court for allowing cougar to escape. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 02/09/04 | Pequea, PA | 17-year-old boy may lose his finger after being bitten by his highly venomous West African bush viper snake. No antivenin exists for this type of "pet." (Sunday News) |
| 02/07/04 | Yemassee, SC | Woman runs into "pet" hippopotamus with her car and kills him. Hippo escaped from his home earlier that day. (Island Packet Online) |
| 01/31/04 (reported) |
Dillsboro, IN | 10 wolves escape from Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center, prompting state officials to order it to closed to public until improvements are made. Wolves break free from their 3-acre pen. 2 die, while rest are recaptured. (The Indianapolis Star, Associated Press) |
| 01/24/04 | Fort Wayne, IN | While driving his 4-year-old 140-lb. lion home from veterinarian appointment, man crashes his car into ditch. Lion is not secured in cage within car, so escapes from car and is found 4 hours later hiding in bushes. Animal Control attempts to dart animal to no avail; as lion runs he is shot and killed. (The News-Sentinel) |
| 01/09/04 | Surry County, NC | 14-year-old girl is mauled by her father's "pet" tiger while she is inside cage taking pictures of tiger. Father owns 4 tigers; after incident all are shot. (Winston-Salem Journal) |
| 12/27/03 | Summerville, SC | "Pet" 4-year-old African serval escapes and is still loose. Native to Africa, servals can grow to be 24 inches tall and weigh more than 20 lbs. (Post & Courier) |
| 12/24/03 | Calvert County, MD | Pigtailed macaque monkey bites left thumb of 49-year-old man. (Washington Post) |
| 12/15/03 (reported) |
Rockwell, NC | Samson, leopard or jaguar at Charlotte Metro Zoo, while being used in television commercial for Carolina Panthers bites zoo's owner. In separate incident, cobra used for Carolina Cobras football team commercial gets loose during filming. (Salisbury Post) |
| 12/11/03 | Millers Creek, NC | 10-year-old boy is mauled to death by his aunt's "pet" tiger, who pulls boy under fence and into cage. (Associated Press) |
| 11/28/03 | Natural Bridge, VA | 2 6-year-old Asiatic bears escape from pen at Natural Bridge Zoo when worker neglects to lock gate properly. Male bear, Festus, breaks into neighboring house and is shot by zoo's owner and sheriff's deputy several times at close range. Female, Maggie, is found under porch outside, where she swipes at homeowner. She is shot by zoo's owner and disappears into woods, only to be shot and killed 2 days later by hunter. USDA authorities are investigating zoo. (Washington Post) |
| 10/28/03 | Gillette, WY | 2 men are hospitalized after being bitten by 1 of 2 rattlesnakes illegally kept at home. (Associated Press) |
| 10/28/03 | Newark, NJ | "Pet" alligator en route from Miami to Newark escapes from crate which holds burlap sack he is being transported in. (www.cnn.com) |
| 10/26/03 | Hamilton Township, NJ | Man is trapped inside his car by someone's escaped "pet" emu. (www.us-news-watch.com). |
| 10/23/03 | Mauldin, SC | Golden Strip residents report at least 8 sightings of apparent mountain lion in past few weeks. Animal is likely escaped "pet" as wildlife officials dispute possibility it is from wild stock. (Greenville News) |
| 10/21/03 | Glendale, AZ | Authorities find "pet" python that escapes from his enclosure. (Associated Press) |
| 10/20/03 | Elmira, NY | Authorities find "pet" python but have yet to identify its possessors. (Star-Gazette) |
| 10/19/03 | Jacksboro, TN | For past 3 weeks, many local residents have sighted what appears to be escaped "pet" orangutan. (www.wte.com) |
| 10/16/03 | Stamford, CT | "Pet" chimpanzee unbuckles his seatbelt, unlocks door, and bolts from vehicle. Intersection in town is closed off for 2 hours until his possessors and police can corral him back into car. No one is injured. (www.KCRAChannel.com) |
| 10/14/03 | Little Ferry, NJ | 44-year-old man is found dead in his garage, victim of bite from his "pet" Gabon viper. (The Record (Bergen County, NJ)) |
| 10/12/03 | Northampton Township, PA | Several residents see large cat, possibly cougar, roaming area for days. Animal is thought to be someone's exotic "pet" turned loose. (www.kyw.com) |
| 10/06/03 | Girard Township, PA | Woman captures on video camera what appears to be either black panther or cougar in Girard Borough Park. Animal is likely someone's "pet." (www.goerie.com) |
| 10/04/03 | Golden Valley, AZ | Tigger, 6-year-old, 500-lb. Bengal tiger at Keepers of the Wild animal sanctuary, attacks 21-year-old employee who goes to pet him while cleaning his pool. Tigger bites her on leg and drags her across ground. Another employee uses steel rack to get Tigger off her. 3 of Tigger's canine teeth go completely through her leg and she spends 5 days in hospital. (KLAS-TV Channel 8 (CBS) Las Vegas, Las Vegas Sun) |
| 10/03/03 | New York, NY | 400-lb. "pet" Bengal tiger bites his possessor on arm, sending man to hospital. Tiger is confiscated from Harlem apartment along with "pet" alligator. Man faces criminal charges which could culminate in 7-year prison sentence. On 10/07/04 man is sentenced to 5 months in jail for reckless endangerment. (New York Times, Associated Press) |
| 10/01/03 | Las Vegas, NV | During magic show at Mirage hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy is mauled by Montecore, 7-year-old, 600-lb. white tiger. When Montecore latches onto Horn's arm, Horn taps Montecore on head with microphone. Audience of 1,500 watches Montecore drag Horn offstage by neck. Attack opens artery in Horn's neck. Show workers set off fire extinguishers backstage to distract tiger. Horn remains in critical but stable condition at University Medical Center in Las Vegas. (Associated Press) |
| 09/28/03 | Birmingham, AL | "Pet" timber wolf bites 8-year-old on left calf. (Birmingham News) |
| 09/16/03 | Manassas, VA | Escaped "pet" caracal, 20-lb. native South African feline, is captured by Animal Control after it confronts German shepherd. (www.nbc4.com) |
| 08/30/03 | Van Buren Township, MI | Cougar is spotted roaming wooded area in township. Big cat is suspected to be cougar and someone's "pet" that escaped or is set free. (www.clickondetroit.com/news) |
| 08/27/03 | Everett, WA | 7-ft. python escapes from his home and is found slithering in front yard of South Everett man's home. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) |
| 08/27/03 | Rainier, WA | Black bear escapes from exotic animal collection. It takes deputies over hour to get him back to his cage. Neighbors say this is 4th time bear has escaped from man who has many other exotic animals, including Bengal tiger, cougar, and alligator. (KIRO-TV Channel 7 (CBS) Seattle) |
| 08/26/03 | Tampa, FL | 12-ft. Burmese python escapes from his enclosure. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 08/23/03 | Thurston County, WA | Black bear escapes from his home and is subsequently captured. This is 4th time bear has escaped. (www.kirotv.com) |
| 08/23/03 | Everett, WA | Python was found in Everett's Silver Lake. It is suspected that snake is someone's "pet." (Seattle Post-Intelligencer) |
| 08/20/03 | Tuscarawas County, OH | Gray fox is spotted alongside road. Gray fox is wearing collar and has apparently been kept in ferret cage. (Times Reporter) |
| 08/18/03 | Whetstone Township, OH | "Pet" mountain lion escapes from his home and attacks and injures neighbor dog. Dog is rushed to vet hospital with more than 100 lacerations; dog is released and will be fine. (Telegraph-Forum) |
| 08/16/03 | Buena Park, CA | Replica Old West stagecoach at Knott's Berry Farm, driven by 2 employees and pulled by 4 horses, fails to stop at end of its 6-minute ride that carries 11 passengers. Momentum of coach, which can weigh up to 4,000-lbs. when fully loaded, prevents horses from stopping after braking system reportedly breaks. Horses try to turn but can't, and 1st horse on left dies after slamming into chain-link fence with wooded slats. 4 passengers are treated for minor injuries as well as employee sitting shotgun who is treated for shoulder injury. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch) |
| 08/12/03 | Town and Country, FL | Man's "pet" mamba snake bites him half-dozen times on forearm and wrist and man is rushed to hospital. Man possesses 26 poisonous snakes and 4 small crocodiles in his mobile home. 4 small children also reside in mobile home. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 08/08/03 | Tampa, FL | First-grader is bitten by pygmy rattlesnake. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 08/06/03 | Chicago, IL | "Pet" rhesus monkey escapes from her home after she opens latch on her cage, opens window and climbs out. She is subsequently captured in stairwell. (www.wbbm780.com and Chicago Tribune) |
| 08/05/03 | Antelope, CA | Woman finds senior macaque monkey in cage on side of road as she pulls into gas station. (KXTV Channel 10 (ABC) Sacramento) |
| 08/03/03 | Wilkinsburg, PA | 4-ft. alligator is captured in residential yard after he escapes. (Associated Press) |
| 08/03/03 | Dayton, OH | Firefighter is bitten on his left hand by his "pet" rhino viper snake and is rushed to hospital, where he dies next day. (www.whiotv.com, The Daytona Daily News) |
| 07/29/03 | Otis, MA | 6 wolf-hybrids escape from their home and are spotted roaming nearby neighborhoods. 2 are captured. (The Eagle) |
| 07/29/03 | Osage County, OK | Motorist spots adult monkey and 2 small monkeys along Oklahoma Route 123. (The World) |
| 07/28/03 | Tampa, FL | 6-ft. Boa constrictor escapes from his cage. (Tampa Tribune) |
| 07/23/03 | Manatee County, FL | 12-ft. Burmese python escapes and is found next day. (Bradenton Herald) |
| 07/23/03 | Harrisburg, PA | 2-to-3-ft. alligator is found swimming in city's Italian Lake and is subsequently captured. It is suspected that alligator was someone's "pet." (www.thewgalchannel.com) |
| 07/22/03 | Kingston, MA | 3-ft. monitor lizard is found in cranberry crop. Lizard is suspected of being someone's "pet" and is subsequently captured. (www.townonline.com) |
| 07/21/03 | Athens, GA | 3-ft. savanna monitor lizard is found in backyard. Lizard is suspected of being someone's "pet." (Florida Times-Union) |
| 07/16/03 | Westchester County, NY | 4-ft. Burmese python is found in front walkway of private eastside Yonkers house. Police suspect animal escaped from nearby house. (The Journal News) |
| 07/14/03 | Mansfield, TX | 15-ft. Burmese python escapes from his enclosure and is subsequently captured. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) |
| 07/05/03 | Panama City, FL | 10-ft. Burmese python is found near fish pond. Animal Control captures snake. (Associated Press) |
| 07/04/03 | Buckhannon, WV | "Pet" lemur escapes from his home while his possessor is out of state. "Pet sitter" reports lemur missing and animal is subsequently captured. (Charleston Daily Mail) |
| 07/03/03 | Glocester, RI | 14-ft. yellow and orange Burmese python, Slick, escapes from his 300-gallon tank. (Associated Press) |
| 07/03/03 | La Crosse, WI | During performance at Riverfest, tiger claws his trainer during 1st show. Trainer turns for split-second and tiger claws his leg. (WKBT-TV Channel 8 (CBS) La Crosse) |
| 06/03-07/03 | Sherburne, NY | 7-ft. python escapes from his home. (Evening Star) |
| 06/30/03 | Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin | Total of 81 cases of Monkeypox in humans are being investigated in these 6 states as result of contact with prairie dogs which have recently b |