Among the animals that have been seized are a tarantula, a royal python and a corn snake.

The possession of this type of specimens is regulated by the CITES convention (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).

The Guardia Civil, following a request from Altea Town Hall, has rescued two snakes and a poisonous tarantula from a rural house in Altea. From now on they will have the appropriate facilities and care at Terra Natura Benidorm. As part of the operation, the park’s Herpetology department has taken responsibility for the care of these animals, which have been confiscated from an owner who could not prove their lawful origin.

The operation began on May,31st when the Altea Town Council requested the collaboration of the Guardia Civil to go to a house in a rural area of the municipality of Altea, where several animals were found among a large amount of rubbish and at risk of starvation.

Once on the scene, the agents of the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) detected the presence of various domestic animals such as cats and rodents, but also the presence of an arachnid and two exotic snakes.

The Altea Town Hall, through its Department of Animal Health and Welfare, took care of the pets. The municipal veterinarian was in charge of the organisation and management of the animals, as well as alerting the Guardia Civil, who seized the exotic animals as the owner could not prove their lawful origin.

Once the exotic animals had been seized, they were taken to the Terra Natura facilities today. The herpetologist of Terra Natura Benidorm, David Martí, has shown them which terrariums they will live in and explained what care they will receive from now on so that they can enjoy optimal living conditions.

Specifically, a tarantula (Grammostola rosea), a python snake (Python regius) and a corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus). In the case of the python, it is an invasive exotic species, which is also listed as CITES II. The nature park reminds us that this type of animal should not be kept in homes, due to the difficulty in handling them and the special conditions they need to live properly.

The three specimens are currently in the quarantine area of Terra Natura Benidorm, where they have been examined to determine their state of health. As soon as the veterinary team confirms that they are well, they will be transferred to the terrariums of the exhibition of venomous creatures, located in the area of Pangea, so that they can be observed by the public and learn about the characteristics of these species.

The head of the Herpetology department at Terra Natura Benidorm, David Martí, stressed that “the handling and care of these animals requires specific knowledge to keep them in perfect condition. They are not normal pets, so having them at home entails a great responsibility”. “For us it is always a pleasure and a source of pride to be able to collaborate with the state security forces so that the seized animals have a suitable place to live,” Martí points out.

The Guardia Civil advises that if you find this type of animal, you should refrain from trying to trap them. Citizens should limit their actions to contacting specialised personnel or calling the Guardia Civil’s emergency telephone number, 062.

For more information, please contact the Alicante Civil Guard’s Peripheral Communications Office on 96 514 56 60, extension 0610012.