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Cobra loose in California

I saw that earlier.. and that was my comment "UGH! It's not poisonous!"
haha.
Hope they catch it. Safely.
 
I don't know about you guys, but I dislike it when I see articles involving reptiles where it says they, "Attacked," an animal or person. Unless they're something like an alligator or a big, big snake that's large enough to put pets (or people) on the menu, isn't it more likely that it's defending itself? Here it is escaped from the only home its probably ever known (someone's collection, I'd assume), exposed, with who knows what size dog coming to check it out, maybe even barking or trying to bite it. It shouldn't be out where it can harm pets or people, but I think it's more likely that it was protecting itself than actively targeting her dog (which is what I take, "Attack," to mean). A dog of any size is just not on the menu to a snake that size.

Unless I'm just talking out my rear?
 
No. I believe you are right on target. Unfortunately they don't know any better and it makes for a better story if they hype it up as a blood thirsty snake out to get everyone.
 
Hearts-a-Glow said:
I don't know about you guys, but I dislike it when I see articles involving reptiles where it says they, "Attacked," an animal or person. Unless they're something like an alligator or a big, big snake that's large enough to put pets (or people) on the menu, isn't it more likely that it's defending itself? Here it is escaped from the only home its probably ever known (someone's collection, I'd assume), exposed, with who knows what size dog coming to check it out, maybe even barking or trying to bite it. It shouldn't be out where it can harm pets or people, but I think it's more likely that it was protecting itself than actively targeting her dog (which is what I take, "Attack," to mean). A dog of any size is just not on the menu to a snake that size.

Unless I'm just talking out my rear?
Click to expand...

I agree completely
 
Perhaps they should have used the term " a dog was bitten" rather than "attacked". That said, the result of of an envenoming bite would be the same (bad news!) whether it was a defensive bite or an feeding bite. People around that area (Thousand Oaks, CA) are used to rattlesnakes but have no experience with other venomous snakes. Thus, they are a little worried (understandably) that it could end up hurting or killing someone who inadvertently comes in contact with it. There is not a lot of cobra anti-venom floating around (they got a small amount from the local zoo) and I believe that cobra bites can maim or kill in a relatively short time. I love snakes, but even I will admit that the thought of a cobra bite is a little more scary than a bite from our local rattlers.
 
I went to high school in Thousand Oaks and still have many friends in the area, so my Facebook feed has multiple posts about this fellow, and I keep getting tagged in the articles as I'm known for my love of snakes. One of my dearest friends living in the area is cautiously looking under her car, etc. each morning on a cautious search.

I told them someone is missing a VERY expensive, VERY illegal snake, and that there are bound to be enthusiasts out hunting for it themselves, trying to get to it before Official People do.

And while I'm very happy with my corns and ball python, I *will* say it is gorgeous!
 
The cobra has been recovered safely. Based on later reports, there are questions as to whether it even bit the dog (probably because the dog was treated by a vet and released, implying that the dog wasn't envenomated. I doubt a vet would have cobra antivenin on hand). I'm just glad that the snake is alive and that it didn't have to bite anyone to defend itself, since a cobra bite is bad news.

It does seem that there have been a lot of wandering snake reports in the media lately. Not good for those who keep their pets responsibly.
 

He has a home at the LA Zoo-the link should take you to their video, if I did it right. He's been confirmed to be a leucistic monocled cobra with intact fangs/venom glands (which probably also confirms that the snake didn't actually bite the dog).
 
They were saying that it might be a venomoid so no glands at all.....or it dry bit...or it missed the dog...who knows.....The photo looked like a leucy so whoever had it spent some money...they ain't cheap....
 
Cool. If they put it on display at any point I'll be able to go in an see it. I imagine the original owner will too at some point! XD
 
In Florida, the big snakes have to be microchipped. So if there's an escape/release, they know who the owner was.
 
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