WTSP (St Petersburg, Florida) 27 August 10 Venomous viper bites Tampa man (Preston Rudie)

Tampa, Florida: A Tampa man remains in the hospital after he was bitten by his pet gaboon viper.

Officials say 31-year-old Jamie DePriest was bitten on his left index finger Tuesday at his home at 3649 W. Anderson Avenue.

The viper is 18 inches long and experts say the snake's bite can be fatal.

DePriest is expected to make a full recovery but he is now facing a multitude of charges.

After Florida Fish and Wildlife went to DePriest's home to investigate the bite, officials say they found the viper was not properly permitted. FWC spokesperson Gary Morse says they also found kids in the house and the snake kept in an aquarium with no lid.

"We are very fortunate that no one was more seriously injured," Morse said.

DePriest is now facing eight different second degree misdemeanor charges, which collectively carry a possible penalty of 16 months behind bars and a $4,000 fine.

The viper is now being held by a trapper and the two kids in the house are now staying with relatives.

Officials say DePriest lived in the home with his girlfriend and the two children.

The charges filed against DePriest include: unlawful possession of a venomous reptile; failure to meet minimum standard caging requirements; failure to microchip the snake; failure to post venomous-reptile warning signs; failure to maintain a cage closure identification system; failure to maintain a venomous bite protocol; failure to maintain a critical incident plan and failure to maintain source of acquisition records.

DePriest purchased the snake in New York, according to authorities.
Venomous viper bites Tampa man

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