Deadly venomous zebra cobra loose in Raleigh neighborhood

The snake is not native to North Carolina – it's from Africa.

At around 1 p.m., police searched a home on 6917 Chamonix Place, near the street where the cobra was last spotted.

Christopher Gifford’s Facebook page is linked to other social media accounts with videos of exotic snakes, including pictures of a zebra cobra. One of those accounts posted a photo less than 24 hours ago of a zebra cobra.

Officials have not said if the mamba bite was connected to the missing cobra.

Local hospitals do have access to an anti-venom index in case someone is struck by the cobra's deadly poison.

Salina Locke, a veterinarian, treats all kinds of pets at the Avian and Exotic Animal Care.

"This species of cobra doesn't typically bite. They're more likely to spray their venom ... they are very accurate and go straight for the eyes," she said.

Locke said she does not recommend this snake as a pet, due to the risks.

What to do if you're bitten by a snake in NC

The dangerous reptile has a black throat and hood. Its body, which is about four feet long, has black, brown and white stripes. It's mostly nocturnal, the institute says, and is often found on tarred roads after rain.

"It is pretty alarming. It seems like a pretty dangerous snake, and dogs like to sniff in the grass and check things out," said Mark Pavlic, who lives in the Brittany Woods neighborhood. "It's an extreme worry."

Neighbors said they were avoiding going in their yards and the pool.

Police say to call 911 immediately if you see the cobra, and do not approach it.

The snake was originally reported in a 911 call from a neighbor, who said they had gotten a photo and video of it.

Snake bites kill more than 81,000 people worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization. Most of those deaths occur in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

WRAL reached out to the Gifford family and has not heard back.