A deadly spitting cobra was among several venomous snakes discovered in a home.
According to the City of Wichita Falls Animal Control in Texas, the cache of reptiles was discovered after officers responded to residence for a wellness check on March 4.
When officers arrived, they discovered the Siamese spitting cobra inside a container. It has since been brought to a secure location. Officials say the snake was never free or a danger to the community, but the city’s ordinance does not allow anyone to breed, raise, keep, or possess any venomous reptile.
Only permitted educational or scientific institutions subject to approval and inspection are excluded, the ordinance says.
“City ordinances regarding wildlife are in place to help protect the public, first responders, and animal control personnel,” a statement said.
Wild venomous snakes are not uncommon in North Texas, but they are typically native species such as rattlesnakes. This is the first cobra the department has encountered in Wichita Falls.
Snake wrangler Jaden Klein told KFDX-TV in Wichita Falls that spitting cobras have a “diverse venom type” that can cause serious damage.
“They’re kind of core would be cytotoxic. So you’re looking at there can be necrosis, swelling, blisters in the bite mark,” he said. “They have a decently accurate spitting range of their venom, and that would look a little different.”
“If that gets in your eye, you’re looking at burning, redness, maybe temporary blindness. You’re going to want to wash that out really quickly, or else if you leave it in there longer, it could damage your cornea, and then a little more extensive eye damage.”
