Texas police and wildlife experts continue to be on the lookout for a venomous West African gang cobra that disappeared from a house in Grand Prairie earlier this week.
At around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, a resident called Grand Prairie Animal Services and said his cobra had not been in his enclosure for over an hour, according to Grand Prairie police. As of Friday morning, the cobra will still be at large, police told USA TODAY.
It is not illegal for homeowners to own a venomous snake if they have a permit from the Texas State Park and Wildlife Department. However, the city does not allow wildlife that is “not a common native species” and poses a threat to humans.
A private reptile removal expert assisted the animal service and owner in finding the animal, but was unable to find the animal until the end of the night. Now authorities are asking local residents to be careful if they see anything that could be the cobra, call 911 and not approach or try to pick up the line.
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While the snake may be at large, its owner Tre Mat told CBS DFW that he believes his pet is dead and the public shouldn’t be concerned.
Despite Mat’s belief, police have notified local hospitals of the missing snake so they are ready to treat anyone if they are bitten. The department is also investigating whether Mat, who owns the cobra, has broken violations, Texas Parks and Wildlife told CBS 17. Mat could be charged with “reckless, willful or negligent” escape of the Cobra.
“I wanted my community to feel safe. And yes, it is required. As a legitimate citizen, I am obliged to call my community if something happens, a mishap, ”Mat told CBS DFW.
The West African banded cobra is native to the West African savannahs and can grow up to 7 feet long. As part of the Naja cobra genus, their bite can be fatal if not treated immediately, according to National Geographic.
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jord_mendoza.
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