WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — The Wichita Falls Animal Services Center is investigating after a cobra was found inside Wichita Falls city limits.

Last week, the Wichita Falls Police Department encountered the snake while conducting a welfare check at a home in the 2000 block of Jolene Street.

According to officials, officers responding to the check on March 4 discovered multiple plastic totes inside the home where venomous snakes were being kept. One of the snakes was identified as a Siamese spitting cobra — a species native to Southeast Asia and considered one of Thailand’s deadliest snakes.

Police contacted animal control for assistance, and the cobra was seized and removed from the home.

“When the animal control officer got there, there was a cobra in the home. So they got the cobra and brought it back here to the shelter. And then we found somewhere safe for that animal to go,” said Diann Bowman, animal care and adoption supervisor.

According to the city ordinance, possessing venomous reptiles within Wichita Falls city limits is prohibited.

“In Wichita Falls city limits, our city ordinance states that you are not allowed to have venomous reptiles. It’s a safety concern, you know, for the animals and of course, for the public,” Bowman said.

Animal Services officials say that while venomous snakes are not uncommon in North Texas, they are typically native species such as rattlesnakes.

Snake wrangler Jaden Klein, based in California, said spitting cobras have venom that can cause serious damage if a person is bitten or exposed.

“Spitting cobras in general have somewhat of a diverse venom type, but in general, they’re kind of core would be cytotoxic. So you’re looking at there can be necrosis, swelling, blisters in the bite mark,” said Klein. “They have a decently accurate spitting range of their venom, and that would look a little different. If that gets in your eye, you’re looking at burning, redness, maybe temporary blindness. You’re going to want to wash that out really quickly, or else if you leave it in there longer, it could damage your cornea, and then a little more extensive eye damage.”

According to Animal Services, this is the first cobra the department has encountered in Wichita Falls. Officials say the snake has since been removed and placed in a secure location.

The situation remains under investigation, and officials have not said how the cobra ended up in Wichita Falls.

Anyone who encounters a potentially dangerous snake is urged to keep a safe distance and contact animal services.

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