Shelby Co. woman asks officers to come get her venomous snake

SHELBY COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- A Shelby County woman called Kentucky Conservation officers wanting someone to come pick up her venomous snake Friday.

Kentucky Conservation Officer Chris Riggsby says the woman called thinking Riggsby was a “regular” fish and wildlife employee, not knowing she had contacted a Conservation Officer.

Riggsby says the woman told him that she didn’t want police to know she had the snake, but she didn’t want it anymore because it had become too large and she wanted someone to pick it up.

Riggsby arranged a meeting with the owner and was able to take control of the 5-foot long monocled cobra.

The snake’s owner was cited for importing and holding a prohibited dangerous wildlife. The snake was transported to the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade, Ky.

The monocled cobra is native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The monocled cobra’s venom is one of the fastest acting snake venom in the world. The venom, which has different potency depending on where the snake is found, can cause death within an hour of being bit.

To report suspected illegal activity to Conservation Officers, contact your local Kentucky State Police Post or dial 1-800-25-ALERT.