Zebra cobra is doing OK after capture in Raleigh, but many questions remain
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Snake scare in Raleigh, and the aftermath
In the summer of 2021, a venomous zebra cobra was on the loose in a North Raleigh neighborhood, an incident that captured the region’s attention. The incident prompted the city of Raleigh to enact a new exotic animal ordinance. Here is coverage from The News & Observer.
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The escaped spitting zebra cobra that put northwest Raleigh on edge this week was doing well Thursday after being captured outside a home on Wednesday night.
But Raleigh Police have released few details about the capture, about what will happen to the snake and other venomous snakes being kept in North Raleigh, or about the snake’s owner and potential charges.
“The Zebra Cobra is safely contained and being cared for in an appropriate facility,” police said in a brief statement about 5:30 p.m. Thursday.
Benjamin German, who assisted with the capture on Sandringham Drive, posted a photo of the wrangled zebra cobra in the bottom of a bucket on his Facebook page late Wednesday.
German wrote: “Helped Jen Davis and Capital City Animal Control catch an escaped cobra in Raleigh, NC today. Big thanks to Wake County EMS, Raleigh PD, and the very friendly and tolerant homeowners! Pretty cool day.”
A ‘team effort’
Davis also acknowledged the capture on Facebook, citing the “team effort” and giving a brief update on the snake’s condition.
”I truly appreciate all the love,” Davis wrote. “This was a major TEAM effort! RPD/AC/Wake EMS and others deserve so much more credit for the diligence and dedication to the citizens and the animals they provide services for. It was my privilege to be able to assist.
“I know many have questions and want answers. As of now there is no comment other than the one above.
“Ok, maybe one more … the little nigricincta is doing well.”
Naja nigricincta nigricincta is the species name for a zebra cobra.
Authorities had been searching for the snake, belonging to Christopher Gifford of nearby Chaminox Place, since a 911 caller reported seeing it on Sandringham Drive on Monday.
On Tuesday, Raleigh police and animal control officers went to Gifford’s home, and animal control officers left with a large bucket.
In its brief statement Thursday, the police department said it “worked with outside resources to safely secure exotic venomous reptiles that were located in a residence on Chamonix Place.” It is unclear what “safely secure” means and whether the snakes are still there.
Gifford has chronicled his large collection of snakes on his social media accounts, especially TikTok, which feature more than a year of videos. In one video, which has now been taken down, Gifford showed off a massive zebra cobra, which he described as a “tank.”
Most of Gifford’s videos are filmed in what appears to be the basement of the Chamonix Place home he shares with his parents, Keith and Rebecca Gifford.
But in some videos, Gifford appears in a yard with an uncaged cobra, filming it crawling through the grass.
In their statement, police said “no charges have been filed at this time. Additional follow-up work will take place before final determinations are made concerning the case.”
Gifford’s previous venomous bite
The missing snake was spotted on Sandringham Drive on Wednesday by a reporter for CBS 17 news station, who alerted Raleigh police.
Gifford suffered a near-fatal bite from a green mamba snake he owns back in March.
On a Facebook page called The Venom Interviews, Gifford identifies himself as the victim in a March mamba bite case that required antivenom from a zoo in South Carolina. The case received extensive news coverage in Raleigh at the time, though Gifford’s name wasn’t released.
North Carolina law allows residents to keep exotic, venomous pets, but extensive rules govern their care.
Article 55 says snakes must be kept in a sturdy, secure enclosure designed to be escape-proof, bite-proof, and having an operable lock. Each enclosure must be clearly and visibly labeled “Venomous Reptile Inside,” with the scientific name, common name, appropriate antivenom and owner’s identifying information noted on the container, the law says. A written bite protocol with emergency contact information, local animal control office, the name and location of suitable antivenom, first aid procedures, treatment guidelines and an escape recovery plan must be within sight of permanent housing.
If such a reptile escapes, the owner must immediately notify local law enforcement, the law says.
If the owner of the animals is found to be in violation of Article 55, they can be charged with a Class 2 or a Class A1 misdemeanor. A Class 2 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A Class A1 misdemeanor carries a potential maximum punishment of 150 days in jail and a fine at the court’s discretion.
This story was originally published July 1, 2021 at 2:32 PM with the headline "Zebra cobra is doing OK after capture in Raleigh, but many questions remain."
