Albino monocled cobra on the loose near L.A.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- Southern California animal control officers are hunting for a venomous cobra that bit a dog and then slithered off into a suburban neighborhood.

CBS Los Angeles reports that the attack happened Monday in the backyard of a home in Thousand Oaks.

Los Angeles County spokeswoman Lara Arsinian says the dog's owner managed to take a photo of the snake, which animal control officers identified as an albino monocled cobra.

The dog was taken to an animal hospital in critical condition.

Arsinian says albino monocled cobras are illegal to own.

The snakes are common in southeast Asia and can grow to more than 4 feet long.

Thousand Oaks is in area of Ventura County serviced by Los Angeles County animal control.

Anyone who sees the snake is urged to immediately call 911 or (818) 991-0071.