‘These Animals Are Demonized So Often:’ Comments From Alberta Reptile Community After Fire – Edmonton | The Canadian News

Some people from Alberta’s reptile community are speaking after a house fire on Wednesday, where a large number of dead reptiles were found.

At 12:01 pm, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services was called to a fire at a single family home in the area of ​​20 Avenue and 112A Street. The fire was brought under control at 12:35 pm and EFRS said no humans were injured.

READ MORE: Reptiles found dead after house fire in southwest Edmonton

Information received Wednesday afternoon from an Edmonton city spokesperson was that “more than 1,000” reptiles were found. However, it was not yet known exactly how many reptiles were found dead, what type of reptiles they were, or how they died.

However, Peter Daly, a professional biologist and president of the Edmonton Amphibian and Reptile Society (ERAS) said Thursday that the number is likely much less than that.

“There were not thousands of animals involved. There were several dozen. It’s hard for me to say exactly how many. “

Daly was called to the scene on Wednesday as a subject matter expert and as president of ERAS. He also said that he knows the owner of the house and that the man owned, raised and sold reptiles.

Most of the reptiles found dead were a variety of small lizards, frogs and small “harmless spiders,” according to Daly.

A spokesperson for Animal and Pest Control said Wednesday that 10 turtles and a leopard gecko were cared for.

Daly said that many of the containers that housed the reptiles were covered in soot and that it would have been difficult to distinguish the plants and insects used as food from the reptiles.

“The owner also had a lot of little tubs that were used to propagate small plants. So if they’re looking at tanks that obviously have reptiles and they scan for tubs with plants, it’s a natural assumption, ”Daly said.

Regardless of the exact number of reptiles killed, Daly said keeping dozens or more of reptiles in a home can be done safely and shouldn’t be a concern for neighbors.

“Just because it’s not your thing doesn’t mean it’s creepy for people to worry about,” Daly said.

“These are animals that are demonized so often that it is very common for things to become sensational and out of control.”

Daly said he has about 100 reptiles, amphibians and arachnids in his own home and that all put together are “less work to tend than a single dog.”

Vanan Kesavan has been in the reptile industry for over 20 years and recently opened a new store in Redcliff, Alta. Called Reptiles West. He said this fire is a tragedy that hits close to home.

“We are in the sales business. I am in the sales business. But we are also animal lovers, that’s the first thing. So it’s hard to swallow. “

Kesavan also knows the owner involved in the fire and has been in contact with him.

“We have a very close-knit community. The community will come together and support him through this in any way we can because this can happen to anyone. “

Daly said Edmonton has no rules regarding the number of reptiles someone can have and that anything dangerous is outlawed under the Alberta Wildlife Act.

“In terms of public safety (regarding the number of animals), there is none to speak of in this situation,” Daly said.