Illegal Spitting Cobra Capable of Permanent Blindness Discovered Hidden in Texas Home

Animal services were recently called to a Wichita Falls residence where a deadly species of spitting cobra, illegal and without registration papers, was discovered hidden inside a container.

Because this reptile could pose serious threats to the community if let loose (not to mention that it would severely disrupt the local ecosystem), the cobra was seized and sent to a nearby wildlife facility.

Illegal Serpent Seizure

According to News Channel 6, Wichita Falls Animal Services were shocked when they found this non-native reptile in their city. Harboring and owning non-native animals is not inherently illegal. The issue is that you must first obtain a permit and follow the proper steps with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The venomous snake was seized and will be safely rehomed to a serpentarium in Abilene.

Whoever owned this cobra clearly did not have the proper paperwork. In fact, this wasn't just your average cobra; it was a Siamese Spitting Cobra. So, yeah, it's a huge deal.

What is a Siamese Spitting Cobra?

Also called the Thai Spitting Cobra, the Siamese Spitting Cobra is native to Southeast Asia. These highly venomous snakes can grow up to 5 feet and are named after their unique defensive response to predators.

When threatened, spitting cobras will often stand their ground, rear up and display their hood to appear larger. They then will spit venom from specialized fangs in the eyes of their aggressors. These streams of venom can often reach distances of up to 7.5 feet.

Humans who fall victim to a spitting cobra's venom in their eyes will experience "immediate and severe pain as well as temporary and sometimes even permanent blindness," according to inaturalist.org.

Antivenom is available where these snakes are native, but those attacked by this reptile must seek immediate care in order to avoid losing their eyesight permanently.

So, now you know why finding one of these snakes right here in Texas at a random home is a big deal.