Nesmith said he went to check on the snake and initially couldn't see the cobra in the cage. Nesmith said he opened the cage, placed a clear shield in front of him, used a small hook to lift the water bowl up on the side. The cobra came from the water bowl and began crawling toward the open cage. Nesmith said he freaked out, screamed and tried to hook the snake back inside the cage, but it escaped, investigators said.