Reality star faked key part of show, failed to get proper credentials to film scene with snakes

Animal Planet star Ernie Brown Jr. of Lebanon, Ky., also known as "Turtleman" on the reality show "Call of the Wild," purposely put deadly snakes in and around a public pool, then pretended the snakes were there on their own volition so he could capture them while cameras rolled, according to city officials in Danville, Ky., Morgan Eads reports the Lexington Herald-Leader. The show also failed to obtain proper approval to film the scene. (Animal Planet photo by David Yellen)

The program often features Brown "cornering unwanted animals and using unconventional methods of capture," Eads notes. According to Danville City Manager Ron Scott, "The snakes were brought into the pool area, accompanied by a medic, and then were captured by Brown. The show left viewers with the impression that one snake was found in the pool and that others were on the property." Scott said the necessary authorization was not obtained before the filming, and the proper authorities did not sign off on the production.

When asked if a snake was found in the pool, or if animals were brought in for the show and if he was involved in location planning, producer Karl Hollandt repetitively said: "All I can say is that Turtleman was called with a problem and he came out to help," Eads reports. The Herald-Leader could not reach Brown for comment. (Read more)

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/06/25/2692218/report-turtlemans-tv-show-faked.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/06/25/2692218/report-turtlemans-tv-show-faked.html#storylink=

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/06/25/2692218/report-turtlemans-tv-show-faked.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/06/25/2692218/report-turtlemans-tv-show-faked.html#storylin

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/06/25/2692218/report-turtlemans-tv-show-faked.html#storylink=cpy