A word of advice to the people of Orlando. Before you step outside Thursday or send your pet out into the backyard, take a little extra time to look around first.
Especially if you live near the 4800 block of North Apopka Vineland Road.
There’s a king cobra on the loose.
The snake’s owner describes him as 8-feet long — not very big as king cobras go — but he still a very venomous visitor to central Florida.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says if you come across the snake, do not try to catch it. You’re probably thinking, “no problem,” right now.
According to National Geographic, king cobras are shy when it comes to humans, but if cornered, that’s when they get riled up.
A bite from one can kill an elephant.
The king cobra’s owner is licensed to own the deadly snakes and told authorities the other venomous snakes, including a female king cobra, in the home are in their enclosures. The missing snake slithered out within the past 24 hours, wildlife officials said Wednesday afternoon.
The snake is green and white and is probably hunting for other snakes, lizards or small mammals.