A man is in the hospital after being bitten by his pet Gaboon viper.
Police responded Thursday evening to the man’s home on the 2500 block of Temple Lane near Howell Branch Road in Winter Park, where he keeps several venomous snakes, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
He was then taken to a local hospital. His condition hasn’t been released.
Winter Park police and the Fish and Wildlife Commission are investigating.
Fish and Wildlife spokesman Greg Workman said the man has the proper permits and cages to keep the “highly venomous” animal.
He also has several other deadly snakes, including a second Gaboon viper, Workman said.
Police said Thursday night that the snake was secured and not a threat to the neighborhood.
No further information was immediately released.
The Gaboon viper is typically found in the tropical forests of central and west Africa, and can grow up to 6 feet long, according to National Geographic.
The deadly snakes have the longest fangs of any venomous snake in the world, growing up to two inches long.
