Indiana man accused of transporting venomous baby snakes on a bus

MUNCIE, Ind. -- This time, the snakes weren't on a plane -- they were on a bus.

A 21-year-old man who police say picked up a package of venomous baby timber rattlesnakes at the post office and took it home on a city bus is now facing charges.

Dustin A. Draper of Muncie faces preliminary charges of possession of an endangered species and transportation of a dangerous reptile without a permit. He was in jail Friday on $3,500 bond.

Postal inspectors told the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and county police about the shipment of rattlesnakes. Officials were waiting for Draper when he got off the bus near his apartment Thursday.

"He wants to be cool and have venomous snakes," said Sgt. Ed Rucker, a DNR conservation officer.