O.R.S. EMS Assistance Program

Alligators and other crocodilians

It is important to note that just because you see a 3-4' Alligator free-roaming a house or apartment, doesn't mean it's a threat to the safety of the personnel. Crocodilians are very leery of humans and want as little to do with them as possible. However, it is best advised NOT to approach the animal. Approaching the animal could cause it to become defensive and while these animals will not go out of their way to cause you physical harm, they will certainly look after their own interests. If a crocodilian in a private dwelling is encountered, first and foremost, stay calm. Back away from the animal and if necessary, set up a form of barrier to prevent the animal from escaping the dwelling. Immediately call 614-595-4966 and inform me of the issue. Provide me the address, species of animal (if known) and it's estimated size. I will respond to the situation as quickly as possible and remove the animal or restrain the animal temporarily until your work can be completed. Provided that the owner is not breaking any current ownership laws, the animal will most likely remain inside the dwelling. If, however, the animal is being kept illegally and with permission from law enforcement personnel, the animal will be confiscated and will be placed in a more appropriate home as soon as possible.

Venomous Reptiles

Large Constricting Snakes

Large Constricting snakes in general don't pose a great threat to human safety. However, they have been known to cause fatalities and are still an animal that you must take ALL caution when working with. If you happen to have cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents or anything like that as pets that you have around you frequently, you probably won't want to approach one of these animals because their feeding responses can be quite strong and can put you in a compromising situation. These animals are incredibly powerful and certainly demand respect. If you are encountering an issue with such an animal, do NOT approach the animal unless you are 100% confident in your abilities to restrain the animal securely and safely for yourself AND for the animal. If you are not experienced with such animals, it is best to back away from the animal. Approaching the animal could cause it to become defensive and while these animals will not go out of their way to cause you physical harm, they will certainly look after their own interests. If a Large constrictor in a private dwelling is encountered, first and foremost, stay calm. Back away from the animal and if necessary, set up a form of barrier to prevent the animal from escaping the dwelling. Immediately call 614-595-4966 and inform me of the issue. Provide me the address, species of animal (if known) and it's estimated size. I will respond to the situation as quickly as possible and remove the animal or restrain the animal temporarily until your work can be completed. Provided that the owner is not breaking any current ownership laws, the animal will most likely remain inside the dwelling. If, however, the animal is being kept illegally and with permission from law enforcement personnel, the animal will be confiscated and will be placed in a more appropriate home as soon as possible.

Venomous reptiles are very dangerous and all caution must be taken when working in close quarters with such animals. A single bite is all it takes to end a life. If you are not experienced with such animals, it is best to back away from the animal. Approaching the animal could cause it to become defensive and while these animals will not go out of their way to cause you physical harm, they will certainly look after their own interests. If a venomous reptile in a private dwelling is encountered, first and foremost, stay calm. Back away from the animal and if necessary, set up a form of barrier to prevent the animal from escaping the dwelling. Immediately call 614-595-4966 and inform me of the issue. Provide me the address, species of animal (if known) and it's estimated size. I will respond to the situation as quickly as possible and remove the animal or restrain the animal temporarily until your work can be completed. Provided that the owner is not breaking any current ownership laws, the animal will most likely remain inside the dwelling. If, however, the animal is being kept illegally and with permission from law enforcement personnel, the animal will be confiscated and will be placed in a more appropriate home as soon as possible.

Our state's emergency response personnel are valuable and often-times under appreciated for all they do to keep our friends and families safe in our homes, jobs, and others. When an issue arises with exotic animals, however, it is often thought that our paramedics, police or fire squads know how to handle such issues, when in fact, they do not. This puts Emergency personnel in a difficult situation. Sometimes, the humane shelters are called for these animals, yet, they as well have very limited experience or knowledge on proper husbandry of these animals. This is where the Ohio Reptile Service comes into play. We offer services free of charge to Emergency personnel in removal of venomous snakes, crocodilians, large constricting snakes and any other reptiles that are felt to be a threat to the safety of the personnel or the general public. We are also here to assist with animals roaming at large. Alligator dumped in a pond? Burmese Python loose in an apartment building? No problem! We can help! The best part about this beyond the fact that this takes some strain off of the responsibilities of our law enforcement, fire squads and paramedic squads...it's absolutely FREE! That's right, we are here to help and this is completely without any charge to you.

The Ohio Reptile Service looks forward to serving our state and helping people and animals safely coincide.