New experts are coming to Ocala to aid in the search for a missing 2-foot-long monocled cobra in Ocala that hasn't been seen since Monday night.
- Venomous, 2-foot-long monocled cobra still on the loose
- FWC officers searching house, surrounding area in Ocala
- RELATED: Escaped king cobra owner pleads no contest
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials have been inside Brian Purdy’s house on 905 NE 5th St. near Ocala Tuscawilla Park in Ocala, searching for Purdy’s cobra. FWC thinks the venomous snake is somewhere inside or near the house because of the cold weather.
Authorities said another man who is training with Purdy was alone at the house at the time, and accidentally let the snake out. The wildlife agency is keeping an officer at the house at all times.
Purdy and officials have gone through the house several times with snake hooks and tongs— looking under plants and under the house.
At nighttime, they used flashlights to canvass the area.
Purdy reported the cobra missing at 11:15pm Monday night- 2 hours after it escaped. Purdy is allowed to have the snake because he has a Venomous Reptile Permit. The missing cobra is one of six venomous snakes and reptiles the homeowner keeps at the house.
FWC officials say the five other venomous reptiles are: three African vipers, a gila monster and a bearded lizard (which has a mild venom not dangerous to humans).
“I think they should pass an ordinance that says that no one can keep an animal like this a dangerous animal like this within the city of Ocala or anywhere,” said neighbor Lynda Nolan.
"The snake, it's a cobra. It has highly toxic venom, so it's like any poisonous snake: It deems respect. The snake ... there is a good likelihood that it is still in there," said Greg Workman of the FWC.
If anyone sees the snake, remain at a safe distance and immediately call the FWC's wildlife alert hotline at 1-888-404-3922.