What started out as a sexual assault investigation turned into the surprise of a lifetime when investigators discovered hundreds of exotic animals in one Milwaukee home. Later today, the Milwaukee District Attorney's office will likely file charges on the incident.
Woman Arrested in Connection With Exotic Animal Case
At the time of the discovery, a 50-year old woman was arrested for mistreatment of animals. The home at 2323 S. 13th Street in Milwaukee was listed throughout the Internet and in many exotic animal and crocodile directories as Cullen Vivarium Wildlife Conservancy.
Police Describe the Scene, Which Included a Crocodile on the Loose
Many of the animals were being kept in less than ideal conditions. Police say that the home was literally cluttered with exotic animals. At least 200 exotic animals were found, including two dozen boa constrictors and twelve crocodiles. Crocodile attacks do occur, although it is difficult to quantify. One source says that crocodiles generally attack humans for one of four reasons: they are hunting for food, defending their territory, defending their young or a nest, or they think the human is some other form of food (essentially a case of "mistaken identity.") This underscores the danger in keeping these types of animals in a home, not to mention the stress to the animal itself.
Sources: TMJ4, Crocodile Specialist Group, and WISN
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