Do you know where your pets are? Because this week, a king cobra snake with enough venom to kill a full-grown elephant is on the loose in Orlando, Florida.
On Wednesday, an Orlando man reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that one of his very venomous king cobra snakes had escaped sometime in the last 24 hours. Commission officials say the green-and-yellow reptile was last seen slithering in the 4800 block of North Apopka Vineland Road.
The snake’s owner possesses the cobra legally. The snake handler is licensed and bonded to own deadly snakes, and he promises his other creatures are all accounted for. Licensed snake owners are required to report any fugitive animals immediately. And fortunately, the man says the lethal king cobra isn’t that big — just a measly eight feet long.
Commission officials urged the public not to try and catch the snake, as king cobras are known to lash out, literally, when cornered. Right now, the cobra is most likely avoiding humans and hunting for other snakes, reptiles, and small rodents to eat.
About 62% of U.S. households have at least one pet, but Florida hasn’t fared well with non-native snakes kept as exotic pets. After Hurricane Andrew struck in 1992, large Burmese pythons that had been kept as pets escaped into the wild. In the decades since, the invasive species has taken over the state and now poses a huge threat to local ecosystems, particularly the Everglades. Researchers estimate there are now more than 30,000 pythons roaming Florida’s wetlands, chowing down on birds, mammals, and even crocodiles.
Fortunately, the escaped king cobra is reportedly male, and its female pair is still locked safely in her cage.
For now.
You can report any sightings to the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
