Sioux Falls Man Hospitalized After Venomous Snake Bite

A Sioux Falls resident is recovering in the hospital after being bitten by 1 of 3 illegal venomous snakes he kept in his apartment.

The incident occurred on Sunday at an apartment complex near 85th Street and Minnesota Avenue.

According to Dakota News Now, when officers arrived on scene, they discovered two African Forest Cobras that had escaped from their plastic container storage, along with a contained Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.

The man was bitten after the cobra containers were knocked over, and he accidentally stepped on one of the escaped snakes.

He was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment, though his current condition remains unknown.

All three snakes were safely captured and transported to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City.

Residents who suspect someone may be illegally keeping venomous snakes are urged to contact Sioux Falls Animal Control immediately.