Illegal Snakes, Reptiles Seized at New Brunswick Pet Store

More than two dozen exotic animals are being removed from a pet store in Campbellton where two boys were killed by an African rock python earlier this week.

Officials with the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources have identified several species which are illegal to own in the province at Reptile Ocean and throughout the 3-story building.

RCMP officers  have cordoned off the area and have been working with the DNR and officials from Magnetic Hill Zoo in Moncton to safely remove the animals.  They include a variety of crocodile species, along with exotic tortoises, iguanas and an anaconda.

The CBC reports that four large American alligators had to be euthanized on site because no zoo was able to accommodate them.  Hundreds of animals remain inside the Campbellton store, which was once licensed as a zoo.

Early Monday,  Connor and Noah Barthe were found dead in an apartment above the store after a giant snake escaped from its glass tank and found its way into the room where they were sleeping.