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Lee County deputy wrangles large eastern diamondback at Bonita National residence

WGCU | By Michael Braun
Published September 2, 2022 at 9:04 AM EDT
Special to WGCU Public Media
Lee County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jim VanPelt, a licensed large-constrictor contractor, used his training and experience to recently wrangle a large rattler at a home in Bonita National.

Lee County is home to some amazing, yet dangerous, wildlife species.

Overnight, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff's Office South District received a call in reference to a large eastern diamondback rattlesnake near a home at Bonita National.

Deputy Jim VanPelt, who is licensed through the Florida Wildlife Commission as a large-constrictor contractor, used his training and experience to wrangle this large rattler using the proper equipment.

After VanPelt captured the venomous rattler the snake was safely relocated to a desolate area.

The Sheriff's Office reminds Southwest Florida residents that if you encounter a venomous animal, do not approach and contact a licensed professional for removal.

While Deputy VanPelt was able to do this without harming the animal, not all deputies are experienced certified serpent specialists..

A video of the capture can be seen here.

WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.
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Lee County Sheriff's OfficeRattlesnakeWGCU News
Michael Braun
mbraun@wgcu.org
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