Ali Iyoob has been released from UNC Hospitals after receiving treatment for a King Cobra bite he sustained at his Orange County home in early May. But now the 21-year-old is facing criminal charges for keeping the animal at his residence.

Sixty animals were removed from Iyoob’s home by Orange County Animal Services, along with assistance from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The animals removed included more than 30 snakes – 18 of which were venomous – one caiman, two turtles, five chickens, eight baby chicks, four quail, four fish, a dog and a cat.

Orange County has an ordinance that prohibits keeping venomous or constrictive snakes inside the county.

Iyoob is facing misdemeanor charges including ownership of venomous and constricting snakes, crocodilians and wild and dangerous animals.

Iyoob wrote in a Facebook post that we was thankful to everyone who had reached out to show support while he was in critical condition and during the recovery process. He said he was released from the hospital earlier in the month and that he was starting to get back to his normal life. Iyoob wrote that he had lost “a lot of nerves” in his hand but that it still had “a good deal of function.”

Iyoob is due in court to face the charges in June.

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