Illegal rattlesnake bites its owner

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KENNETT SQUARE, Pa., Nov. 28 (UPI) -- A 21-year-old Chester County, Pa., man is recovering after being bitten by a rattlesnake he owned illegally, police said.

The victim, whose name had not been released, was bitten two days before Thanksgiving, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

He is expected to survive, police said, adding the incident highlights the dangers of keeping dangerous animals as pets.

Meanwhile, police got help removing an exotic menagerie from the man's Kennett Square apartment. With assistance from Philadelphia-area herpetologists, officials removed eight snakes -- four of which were venomous and one a 14-foot python -- two monitor lizards and a small alligator.

Ownership of such animals is legal in Kennett Square with proper permits, though Borough Council officials are working on an ordinance to outlaw dangerous animals under any circumstances, police said.