BARCS Accepts Emergency Transfer of 65 Reptiles; Local Rescues Step In

Deputies from the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore City Animal Services removed 65 animals from a home in the 1200 block of William Street in Riverside after the owner was found dead on Feb. 17, 2026, and transferred them to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter for emergency intake and treatment. BARCS staff reported many of the reptiles required immediate attention on arrival.

Alicia Taylor Bard, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, gave a specific breakdown of the animals recovered: “The officers removed 42 snakes, 11 lizards, eight turtles, three fish and one dog from the home.” That tally totals 65 animals and reconciles reporting across local outlets that described “snakes, lizards, turtles and tortoises.”

BARCS and on-scene photos showed multiple tanks and tubs stacked in one room of the house, a scene shelter staff said contributed to poor conditions. The Banner and WBAL reported many reptiles were dehydrated and some snakes suffered from mouth rot, a bacterial infection common in overcrowded or poorly maintained enclosures. Noelle Patterson of BARCS said, “It had been approximately five days, and so, they already weren't in great condition, probably due to just the sheer amount that were there. And this person very well could've been overwhelmed.”

BARCS’s wildlife room reached capacity after the emergency transfer, and staff moved quickly to convert free-roam cat rooms into temporary reptile habitats while medical exams and treatments proceeded. WMAR reported BARCS staff adopted several lizards and snakes, and the shelter described its response as requiring creativity to accommodate an intake more typical of specialized reptile rescues than a municipal dog-and-cat shelter.

Multiple local reptile organizations stepped in to relieve BARCS. WBAL identified Baltimore Critter Society and quoted Brandon Williams saying his group took in more than 30 snakes, many in poor condition, and described Baltimore Critter Society as one of four rescues that responded. WMAR and CBS corroborated that several local partners accepted animals and that most reptiles were transferred from BARCS into specialized care.

BARCS announced donations fully covered the costs of intake, examinations, and immediate medical care. WMAR quoted the shelter: “All donations made to support the reptiles will fully cover initial costs related to intake, examinations, and immediate medical care for the animals, per BARCS.” The shelter asked for specific supplies, tubs (underbed storage size), heating elements, thermostats, hiding places and substrate, and directed monetary donations to be made through BARCS’s website while physical supplies must be delivered directly to the shelter.

The Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office thanked BARCS and partners in a Facebook post: “65 reptiles were safely transferred to BARCS following the unexpected passing of their owner. Deputies … assisted in the safe retrieval and coordination to ensure these animals were handled carefully and transported securely. We’re grateful for the work BARCS is doing to provide species-specific care, medical treatment, and temporary housing for these animals, many of whom require immediate attention.”

Details about the late owner have not been released and Sheriff’s Office officials have not announced any charges or investigations related to animal care. BARCS and its rescue partners continue post-intake medical monitoring and rehoming work while the shelter and Baltimore Critter Society address specialized care needs for dozens of snakes and other reptiles.