A Long Island man was hospitalized Thursday night after being bitten by a venomous rattlesnake.
The victim, Robert Lantier, went to Jacobi Hospital in the South Bronx where he was admitted and was said to be in fair condition Friday. The Western Diamondback snake bit the man's left hand.
Police said it's unclear what led to the attack.
Authorities found two pet rattlesnakes, a cobra and a monitor lizard inside the victim's Floral Park home.
The Department of Environmental Control is investigating the circumstances of Lantier's ownership of the animals, which require a special license.
Messages left at possible phone numbers for him weren't immediately returned Friday.
The reptiles have been taken to a sanctuary.
