OCALA, Fla. — Officials from the FWC told Channel 9's Deneige Broom that their search is confined to half an acre of property. They have been checking surrounding properties but officers think that if the cobra got away, it is still nearby.
The snake's owner, Brian Purdy, believes a large monitor lizard that he owns might have eaten the cobra. Purdy is licensed to have multiple venomous reptiles and says his apprentice, who is learning to handle them, was with the cobra when it escaped.
"But it seems to me like, if you're licensed properly, you shouldn't let your apprentice into the room without you being there. That's what the law calls for," said neighbor Tom Schmitz.
FWC officers say they still believe the cobra could be coiled up somewhere, looking for warmth.
Cox Media Group
