NC State Prof Warns Venom From Escaped Zebra Cobra Can Cause Death

NC State Professor Greg Lewbart said the venom from the escaped zebra cobra can cause blindness, tissue damage and even death. The snake was last seen loose in North Raleigh, about 15 minutes from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, where Professor Lewbart is Professor of Aquatic, Wildlife and Zoological Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Sciences Department Head. 

The man who owns the snake, Christopher Gifford (pictured in photo above), is a venomous snake enthusiast, and was recently treated in hospital for a near-lethal bite from a Green Mamba, one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Owning a venomous snake is legal in North Carolina.