King cobra on the loose after escaping home in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Wildlife officials in Florida say they're searching for an 8-foot-long king cobra snake that escaped from a home in Orlando.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Greg Workman says the snake was reported missing Wednesday by its owner.
CBS affiliate WKMG reports that the snake escaped from a home near an elementary school.
"(There will be) patrols out here tomorrow just in case there's any kids walking to school or anything like that," said FWC's Chris Roszkowiak.
Officials say the non-native, venomous snake is green and yellow.
Workman says the snake's owner has the proper permit to keep it as a pet and officials say the owner is an experienced snake handler.
Wildlife officials say they've been canvassing the area looking for the snake. Officials warn residents not to approach the reptile if they see it and instead urge them to contact the agency's alert hotline.
"The last thing I need is a king cobra sneaking around the bushes," neighbor James McCloud told WKMG.