Venomous pet kills reptile enthusiast

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RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Police in Virginia say a reptile enthusiast who was found dead in his home apparently had been bitten by a venomous snake he may have been keeping illegally.

Jack Redmond, 70, of Richmond, was found dead by his wife in the basement of their home Monday. Richmond police Capt. Mike Louth said Redmond had some medical problems but also had a bite mark on his hand, meaning the cause of death is unclear, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Wednesday.

Virginia wildlife officials said it appeared Redmond had been bitten by his Chinese palm viper, one of 24 venomous snakes in his collection, which police described as well secured and maintained.

The viper's cage had been taken off its shelf and lowered to the ground. The snake was still inside the cage but it was apparent Redmond had been either feeding the snake or cleaning the cage at the time of his death.

Chesterfield County has a law against keeping exotic pets. Police took the reptiles from the home and will attempt to find a sanctuary or zoo where they can be housed.