In A Los Angeles Suburb, The Hunt Is On For An Albino Cobra

toggle caption County of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control

A pretty terrifying drama is unfolding in the Los Angeles suburb of Thousand Oaks: An albino cobra is on the loose, and authorities say it may have already bitten a dog.

The Los Angeles Register reports that authorities have launched an urgent snake hunt:

" 'It's a little unnerving,' said Thousand Oaks resident Arianne Deeder, 39, who lives in the neighborhood. 'I'm keeping an eye out.' "Deeder has chickens in a back yard coop and fish in a pond, along with a dog and a cat. She said she kept the animals safe by locking the coop, putting a fence over the pond and keeping her dog and cat indoors. "On Wednesday evening, seven animal control officers were walking through the neighborhood, searching horse stalls and yards for the elusive white snake."

The Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control issued an alert on Wednesday. It asked parents to watch their children closely and to tell them to avoid any snakes.

"The monocled cobra is capable of being active at any time of day; however, it is most active during the morning or evening hours when it is cooler," the center said. "As with any snake, it will strike if cornered."

Fox News reports that authorities believe the cobra was likely kept as a pet. Fox adds: