Hundreds of reptiles worth estimated $90,000 found in SoCal home

HESPERIA, Calif. (AP) " More than 200 reptiles have been found in an abandoned home in Hesperia.

The Victorville Daily Press reports on its Web site that the reptiles were found last week when officers served a warrant at the home.

Joel Almquist, owner of the Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Phelan, says he took control of roughly 197 snakes and lizards. The newspaper says Hesperia Animal Control is holding 13 tortoises also found at the home.

Almquist says most of the reptiles were alive but weak when they were found. Some had died from the cold or dehydration, including two gila monsters.

Hesperia Code Enforcement and Animal Control is investigating.

The newspaper says the animals are worth an estimated $90,000.