Largest Seizure Of Illegal Reptiles In NY History: DEC [PHOTOS]

A western New York man, who authorities said had almost 300 wild animals in his possession, faces charges that could land him a substantial jail term and a stiff fine. State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said Williams Engelder, 71, of Allegany, Cattaraugus County, was accused of the illegal possession and sale of wildlife, resulting in the largest seizure of illegal reptiles in the state's history.

Seggos said that a search warrant executed at Engelder's home in August 2018 found venomous reptiles, including three king cobras, one of which was more than 10 feet long, and six Gila monsters among the animals found illegally housed there.

The DEC said king cobras are one the most deadly animal species on earth.

Also seized were 17 bog turtles, a native endangered species on New York; two box turtles, 28 Blanding's turtles; 53 wood turtles, two painted turtles; six snapping turtles and 184 spotted turtles.

The final count, according to the DEC, was 292 animals.

There were also 20 boxes of various species of turtle eggs that were seized from Engelder's home, authorities said.

He was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and illegal sale of wildlife, felonies; possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor; nine counts of overdriving, torturing and injuring animals and one count of failure to provide proper sustenance, Agriculture and Markets Law misdemeanors; and 26 counts of illegally possessing and transporting venomous reptiles, one count of possessing an endangered species without a permit and 283 counts of illegally possessing a wild animal as a pet, violations.

The Cattaraugus County District Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case. If convicted on all charges, Engelder faces a maximum fine of up to $104,000 and/or up to 33 years in prison.

"When public safety and the well-being of wildlife are jeopardized by reckless care, DEC is committed to holding violators responsible," Seggos said in a prepared statement.