CEDARVILLE, N.J. -- In this case, police say the dead snake was more dangerous than the live one.

A Cumberland County, N.J., man, who police say reacted with drunken rage when his 6-foot black snake was stepped on and killed, used the dead reptile to whip its killer.

Kenneth Davis (pictured at right), 42, was charged with simple assault, Port Norris State Police Sgt. Sean Day told The Press of Atlantic City.

The dispute started when Davis tried to let his snake into a house on Sunday, and the resident's father stomped on it and hit it with a piece of wood, police said.

An irate Davis pushed the father, whose name was not immediately available, then whipped resident Michael File, 26, with the dead reptile. Police said File, who was shirtless during the attack, sustained small cuts and lacerations on his back.

File then grabbed a baseball bat and took aim at Davis' head, police said. Davis was treated for head lacerations by the Cederville Rescue Squad.

Day said charges against File are likely.

Police said it was not clear how Davis and File knew each other or why Davis released the snake in the first place.