The Georgia Department of Natural Resources sent an inspection team to Zoo Atlanta last week and on Monday released an inspection report and a letter sent to the zoo’s deputy director.

DNR Wildlife Resources Division assistant chief John Bowers notes in the letter that the tiger rattlesnake’s escape was caused by human error. He recommends that the zoo review its protocols for handling reptiles under quarantine.

The snake had been confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was being housed temporarily at the zoo when it escaped Aug. 27. A nearby homeowner killed the snake after finding it on his front porch.