Brownwood Police report that the Sunset Monocled Cobra (pictured above) that went missing last month inside a Brownwood home was captured Wednesday night at the same residence where it had escaped.
Brownwood Police Chief Mike Corley stated Thursday morning that the snake, which had escaped approximately one month ago, was caught in a large glue trap. Officers were called to the home in the 500 block of 7th Street and took custody of the cobra and have secured it at the Brownwood Police Department.
“The cobra appeared to have thrived well outside of its captivity,” stated Corley.
Corley explained how the cobra had been caught on the glue strip.
“Its head was trapped on the glue strip. The tricky part was getting if off; Nick (Ferguson with Animal Control) was able to grab it behind its head to get it off.”
Corley confirmed that the cobra is currently being held in an aquarium with a lid taped securely with about five layers of duct tape and that no chances are being taken that would allow another escape.
“We are trying to get the Abilene Zoo to take the cobra, but if that is unsuccessful, it will be destroyed. It’s being held in an aquarium and Nick has secured the top of it with 5 layers of duct tape,” said Corley. “We will not be keeping the cobra here overnight. As soon as the man from the zoo comes, it will be gone. I expect they he will arrive this afternoon.”
Corley also stated that the cobra was larger than initially reported by the owner.
“The cobra was 1 ½ to 2 feet long and is the width of about six pencils, not one,” said Corley. “It is very aggressive, very mean and very much alive.”
The cobra was the pet of a 41-year-old Brownwood man who was incarcerated at the Brown County Jail when his family reported on January 18th that the snake had been missing for 3 days. The herpetologist at the Abilene Zoo and Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens assisted in the search for the snake, but were unsuccessful in finding it at the time.
The owner was cited at that time for violating city ordinance by possessing a venomous animal within the city limits, according to Ferguson. Since this is not his first violation, the owner may face stiffer penalties, such as citations from the city and charges from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, as exotic animal and reptile owners are required to obtain permits from TPWD Ferguson said.
Below are additional pictures of the cobra.
