20+ Venomous Snakes Removed From Falls Apartment

FALLS TOWNSHIP, PA — Police and other safety officials in Falls removed more than 20 snakes, almost all of them venomous, from an apartment in the township on Wednesday.

According to the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad, 23 snakes were removed from the unit in Aspen Falls Apartments. Of those, 21 were venomous, the squad said.

Authorities called in former Falls police officer Joe Fortunato, known as "Jungle Joe," to help with the removal of the snakes. Fortunato told Philadelphia's ABC-6 that there were about 12 cobras, five rattlesnakes, two other species of snakes and two boa constrictors found.

Police told the station that the snakes were not properly kept in cages and could easily have escaped. They believe a man who lives there was planning to sell the snakes and charges have been filed, police said.

Police also told Action News there were children living in the apartment, including an infant.