After the recent escape of a cobra from its cage in a Brownwood home, the public has been on edge due to this lethal snake being on the loose; however, local officials and herpetologists from Abilene state that the snake is most likely still in the home.
Although Brownwood Animal Control Officer Nick Ferguson spent 4 hours searching for the snake recently with the zoo’s herpetologist and Texas Parks and Wildlife officers, the cobra remains at large. All involved in the search have stated that they feel the cobra is still located in the home due to the cold weather and the fact that the snake had recently been fed before its escape.
“We searched for about 4 hours with the zoo herpetologist and two Texas Parks and Wildlife officers. We didn’t see any evidence of it there, there were so many places it could be because of its size,” said Ferguson. “We checked in clothes, closets and in drawers. Snakes can lay low for a month or two after being fed.”
Sarah Strom-Kieschnick of the nonprofit outreach organization For the Love of Nature stated that she also believes the cobra is still within the home.
“With it warming up, we thought it might move outdoors that weekend, but after visiting the home, he is probably in the wall somewhere,” said Strom-Kieschnick who further explained their thorough search. “We did everything up to ripping out the wall.”
Due to this escape, For the Love of Nature has scheduled an educational presentation about snakes to be held from 10:00-11:00am on Saturday, February 4th at the Law Enforcement Center. The public is invited to attend this free presentation. The Law Enforcement Center is located at 1050 W. Commerce in Brownwood.
For the Love of Nature’s Sarah Strom-Kieschnick and herpetologist Jeremy Wilson, will be presenting the program on their “scaly ambassadors” in a non-threatening atmosphere. Snakes such as locally native species the king snake and Texas rat snake will be part of the presentation. Families are encouraged to come experience these reptiles and hear these experts discuss the myths about these “creepy creatures” and answer questions.
The presentation is a community outreach to raise awareness of snakes and other wildlife and will last about one hour and will focus on the snake’s life cycle, anatomy, and its place in the food chain.
“Most snakes are really just after food,” said Strom-Kieschnick. “93% of snakebite incidents are classified as illegitimate bites.”
* Trying to kill the snake.
* Trying to catch the snake.
* Trying to move the snake.
* Handling snakes.
* Harassing the animal.
Only 7% of reported snakebites are purely accidental, usually after the snake was stepped on.
Strom-Kieschnick stated that most snakes realize that people are not a food source and are cautious of humans because they know confrontation could lead to their own injury or death. Her organization strives to raise awareness for the benefit of the animals and the public.
This outreach program is provided at no cost by For the Love of Nature, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. For more information please call Sarah at 325-529-6599 or email fortheloveofnature@ymail.com.
