NASCAR Bubba shoots up his Earnhardt collection

Dale Earnhardt fan shoots souvenir collection after pet snake dies

A Dale Earnhardt fan from Denver, N.C. was so distraught over the death of his pet snake that he shot up his Earnhardt memorabilia collection.

According to Charlotte Observer.com and WCNC.com, Gary Wayne Ericcson, 46, was arrested Sunday on multiple charges, including cruelty to animals, after shooting his pet snake.

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Ericcson claims the snake, which he had named Anonymous, was already dead when he shot it.

He told WCNC, Charlotte’s NBC affiliate, that he was so upset over the snake’s death that he shot up a large cabinet where he kept his Earnhardt collection.

“I’ve had that snake since he was so small he could just wrap around your wrist," he told NBC Charlotte. “Me and my wife can’t have kids, so the animals are our kids."

Ericcson was released from custody after posting a $20,000 bond.