US man who hoarded snakes is sentenced

A California teacher who had 400 snakes in his home, many of them dead or dying, has pleaded guilty to failing to provide proper care for them.

William Buchman entered the misdemeanour plea on Thursday in Orange County and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. He also can't have a pet for five years and is paying $US17,000 ($A18,393) in restitution for animal care.

In January, reports of a vile smell at his home led to the discovery of the ball pythons, including 280 that were dead or dying.

His lawyer, Paul Meyer, says Buchman fell into severe depression following his mother's death and that led to the neglect.

The surviving snakes have new homes in schools and a zoo.