RALEIGH, N.C. — A venomous zebra cobra is missing from a home in north Raleigh, police said early Tuesday morning.
Zebra cobras can grow to 4 or 5 feet long and spit toxic venom, according to the African Snake Bite Institute. The snake is native to Namibia and Angola in southwest Africa, but somehow there's now one on the loose in Raleigh.
Animal control got a call at about 5:10 p.m. Monday about the striped cobra on someone's porch on the 7000 block of Sandringham Drive, according to the Raleigh Police Department.
The officer didn't find the poisonous snake, but police started investigating and found out the zebra cobra was missing from a home nearby, the department said.
Raleigh police warned people in the area: residents are advised that the venomous snake is still on the loose and could spit and bite if cornered.
If someone sees the snake, police ask they call 911 immediately.
"It is largely nocturnal and is often found on tarred roads, especially after rain. This is a shy snake that will choose to escape, but will spread a hood and bite readily if cornered. Like the Black Spitting Cobra, it is quick to spit and does so effectively," the Snake Bite Institute said.