Ryan Hoyer is suing the Division of Wildlife Resources for failing to take care of his snakes. He says they are picky eaters, sensitive to temperature changes and need to bathe constantly in water.

''If these snakes had simply been provided water and shelter for a year, the vast majority would have been fine. Instead, within eight or nine months, half were dead,'' Hoyer said. ''It is easy to overheat reptiles.''

The wildlife division referred all questions to Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's Office, which says citizens can't sue government for ordinary negligence.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Bates confirmed Sunday that about 60 of the snakes died in state captivity over the years. He said they were difficult to care for.

Hoyer wanted millions of dollars for the research value of the dead snakes, rejecting the state's offer of paying street value, Bates said.

The state eventually got the lawsuit dismissed, but Bates is appealing to the Utah Supreme Court.