NEW ORLEANS — Carnival season brought out wildlife in the French Quarter which were confiscated by the state's Wildlife and Fisheries Department.
Three snakes and an opossum were seized during patrols of the French Quarter during Mardi Gras the agency said. They say 17 agents and two biologists were deployed between Feb. 9 through 14 to help State Police and NOPD patrol the French Quarter area.
LDWF agents provided these patrols to assist police with crowd control, enforcement, and public safety, and to specifically be on the lookout for illegally possessed animals in the French Quarter.
Agents seized a 14.5-foot reticulated python, a 10-foot reticulated python, a 3-foot ball python, and an opossum.
According to the agency's report agents also wrote citations for the illegal reptiles including citing a person for selling turtles without a reptile retail dealer’s license.
Illegal possession of snakes and opossums can result in a fine of up to $500 fine and 90 days in jail, as does selling turtles without a license according to LDWF.
The almost 10-foot-long python taken from an illegal exhibition on Bourbon Street was relocated to Audubon Zoo.
“It’s great to see true teamwork with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana State Police, and New Orleans Police Department working to make the city of New Orleans safe,” said Governor Jeff Landry.
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