52 pythons, 108 rodents seized in Brown County, Wisconsin Humane Society asking for donations to help

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Humane Society says it took in 160 snakes and rodents after authorities in Brown County seized them due to an ordinance violation.

A total of 52 ball python snakes, 84 rats and 24 mice were seized on Thursday in what the Humane Society is calling the largest single-day animal seizure in recent memory.

The Humane Society is asking for the public’s help to care for these animals, posting, “URGENT NEED! Yesterday, the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) took in 160 animals, including 52 ball python snakes, and 108 rats and mice, from a large-scale law enforcement seizure. As you can imagine, this sudden influx of species with such unique needs does put a strain on our resources.”

The Humane Society is seeking donations, as well as people to foster the animals temporarily. Because there is an ongoing investigation, the animals cannot be adopted at this time.

“Pythons, rats and mice need really specialized habitats in order to be well cared for, things like aquariums and heat lamps,” said Angela Speed, spokeswoman for the Humane Society. “Our staff is really focused on upgrading their habitats from plastic Rubbermaid containers to aquariums and proper housing.”

The animals have been distributed to Humane Society locations statewide and to foster homes to ease the burden. Speed said some will need medical care. Although it is still unclear, Speed said they believe the rodents were being bred as food for the snakes.

Speed said the Humane Society does not feed live animals to other animals.

“We adopt out rats and mice every day at the Wisconsin Humane Society as companions and loving pets to people,” Speed said. “They can be very affectionate and loving pets.”