Atlanta zoo to be inspected after snake escape

[September 01, 2010]  ATLANTA, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia wildlife officials will inspect an Atlanta zoo after a venomous rattlesnake was able to escape and slither around a city neighborhood.

Zoo staff noticed the female tiger rattlesnake was missing during a routine check late Friday. The snake was found dead Monday after a nearby property owner killed it.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Lauren Curry said Tuesday that an inspection team will be sent to Zoo Atlanta to investigate. Zoo officials have said a staff member did not properly secure a cage door.

Wildlife officials have not decided whether the zoo will face any penalties for the escape.

[Associated Press; By KATE BRUMBACK]

Associated Press writer Ray Henry contributed to this report.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.