'Unfathomably irresponsible': Reptile experts slam TikTok-famous Raleigh snake owner
The TikTok famous snake owner whose deadly zebra cobra escaped is facing criticism from the reptile community.
Posted — Updated"To take an unsecured venomous snake outside for the purpose of a TikTok video is unfathomably irresponsible," she said. In many videos, Gifford takes the snakes out in his yard and plays with them.
Police have not made any charges at this time.
Cobras can spit up to 9 feet and are faster than most snakes. According to the African Snakebite Institute, the snake is very dangerous. The venom could cause a victim's nervous system to shut down.
Experts say that only people who are trained venom extractors should be touching a venomous snake with their hands. But Christopher Gifford is linked to several social media accounts that show him doing just that.
His TikTok account has more than 465,000 followers, and some of his videos have gotten millions of views.
If someone mishandles or is negligent in caring for a venomous reptile, they can face criminal charges, according to North Carolina law. It's illegal to own, use, transport any venomous reptile that is not housed in a secure enclosure.
All owners must call law enforcement if one of their dangerous reptiles escapes. WRAL News asked Raleigh police if owner of the cobra called 911, but officials did not answer
"There’s a lot of really responsible reptile keepers out there that provide great homes for reptiles," Hallat said. "It’s really unfortunate when something like this happens and shines a negative light on a great community."
North Carolina Sen. Wiley Nickel, who represents the area where the cobra escaped, said he's looking into state laws that regulate venomous reptiles. Raleigh City Councilor David Knight also said he's working with the city attorney to see how other cities regulate the confinement of dangerous animals. He said that he's "very interested" in strengthening the ordnance after this snake's escape.
North Carolina is one of only three states that does not have a ban on exotic pet ownership. You can buy a cobra on the internet for as little as $300.
Snake hobbyist Palmer Burch compared having a venomous reptile to having a weapon.
Officials say the reptiles are in a secure location, and doing well.
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