110
5 days ago
Rare Siamese spitting cobra discovered in Wichita Falls
Summary
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — The Wichita Falls Animal Services Center is investigating after a cobra was found inside Wichita Falls city limits.
Last week, the Wichita Falls Police Department encountered the snake while conducting a welfare check at a home in the 2000 block of Jolene Street.
According to officials, officers responding to the check on March 4 discovered multiple plastic totes inside the home where venomous snakes were being kept. One of the snakes was identified as a Siamese spitting cobra — a species native to Southeast Asia and considered one of Thailand’s deadliest snakes.
Police contacted animal control for assistance, and the cobra was seized and removed from the home.
“When the animal control officer got there, there was a cobra in the home. So they got the cobra and brought it back here to the shelter. And then we found somewhere safe for that animal to go,” said Diann Bowman, animal care and adoption supervisor.
According to the city ordinance, possessing venomous reptiles within Wichita Falls city limits is prohibited.
“In Wichita Falls city limits, our city ordinance states that you are not allowed to have venomous reptiles. It’s a safety concern, you know, for the animals and of course, for the public,” Bowman said.
Animal Services officials say that while venomous snakes are not uncommon in North Texas, they are typically native species such as rattlesnakes.
Snake wrangler Jaden Klein, based in California, said spitting cobras have venom that can cause serious damage if a person is bitten or exposed.
“Spitting cobras in general have somewhat of a diverse venom type, but in general, they’re kind of core would be cytotoxic. So you’re looking at there can be necrosis, swelling, blisters in the bite mark,” said Klein. “They have a decently accurate spitting range of their venom, and that would look a little different. If that gets in your eye, you’re looking at burning, redness, maybe temporary blindness. You’re going to want to wash that out really quickly, or else if you leave it in there longer, it could damage your cornea, and then a little more extensive eye damage.”
According to Animal Services, this is the first cobra the department has encountered in Wichita Falls. Officials say the snake has since been removed and placed in a secure location.
The situation remains under investigation, and officials have not said how the cobra ended up in Wichita Falls.
Anyone who encounters a potentially dangerous snake is urged to keep a safe distance and contact animal services.
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Last week, the Wichita Falls Police Department encountered the snake while conducting a welfare check at a home in the 2000 block of Jolene Street.
According to officials, officers responding to the check on March 4 discovered multiple plastic totes inside the home where venomous snakes were being kept. One of the snakes was identified as a Siamese spitting cobra — a species native to Southeast Asia and considered one of Thailand’s deadliest snakes.
Police contacted animal control for assistance, and the cobra was seized and removed from the home.
“When the animal control officer got there, there was a cobra in the home. So they got the cobra and brought it back here to the shelter. And then we found somewhere safe for that animal to go,” said Diann Bowman, animal care and adoption supervisor.
According to the city ordinance, possessing venomous reptiles within Wichita Falls city limits is prohibited.
“In Wichita Falls city limits, our city ordinance states that you are not allowed to have venomous reptiles. It’s a safety concern, you know, for the animals and of course, for the public,” Bowman said.
Animal Services officials say that while venomous snakes are not uncommon in North Texas, they are typically native species such as rattlesnakes.
Snake wrangler Jaden Klein, based in California, said spitting cobras have venom that can cause serious damage if a person is bitten or exposed.
“Spitting cobras in general have somewhat of a diverse venom type, but in general, they’re kind of core would be cytotoxic. So you’re looking at there can be necrosis, swelling, blisters in the bite mark,” said Klein. “They have a decently accurate spitting range of their venom, and that would look a little different. If that gets in your eye, you’re looking at burning, redness, maybe temporary blindness. You’re going to want to wash that out really quickly, or else if you leave it in there longer, it could damage your cornea, and then a little more extensive eye damage.”
According to Animal Services, this is the first cobra the department has encountered in Wichita Falls. Officials say the snake has since been removed and placed in a secure location.
The situation remains under investigation, and officials have not said how the cobra ended up in Wichita Falls.
Anyone who encounters a potentially dangerous snake is urged to keep a safe distance and contact animal services.
You can now stream KFDX and Texoma’s FOX live 24/7 on your smart TV with KFDX+, our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite needed—watch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
The beauty of Gilgeous-Alexander’s night was multi-layered, displaying the beauty of both the individual and the collective.
The Lakers star got only eight of those points from free throws, just in case you care about that now.
Among McCarthy's options: Ride out 2026 and hope for something to change between Murray and the Vikings after the season. Or compete for the starting job, then request a fresh start if Minnesota doesn't choose him.
"I haven't seen any [Shanahan-McVay system coaches] have an athlete like Kyler at quarterback really," an NFC executive told Yahoo Sports. "So it could be gas. It could be really exciting, actually."
Does today's Wordle have you stumped? Here are some hints and the answer.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made NBA history midway through the third quarter of the Thunder's matchup with the Celtics on Thursday.
A felony charge of aggravated battery of a law enforcement officer was dropped.
The Academy Awards will take place on March 15.
The injury reportedly occurred the night before Banks' on-field testing and will sideline him until June.
Earlier this week, the Big Ten urged the NCAA to pause cases related to tampering. But none of the other power conferences agree.
AI Description
A rare Siamese spitting cobra was discovered inside a home in Wichita Falls, Texas. The snake was seized by animal control due to a violation of city ordinances prohibiting the possession of venomous reptiles.