African viper with longest fangs of any snake is loose in SoCal neighborhood, police say
This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.
Set us as preferred Somehow, a Gaboon viper — whose home is the tropics of central and western Africa — was on the loose Monday in a Southern California neighborhood, police say.The sighting of the extremely venomous viper, which has the longest fangs of any snake in the world, spurred the Santa Ana Police Department to issue a public advisory accompanied by exclamation points.The alarming reptile was “last seen in a tree within a residential neighborhood near Main Street and Edinger Avenue,” according to the department’s warning to the public.“We are asking the public to please be aware of your surroundings.If you see the snake, DO NOT approach or attempt to handle it,” the department said in a post on social media.Anyone who spots the snake is asked to provide the location to the department by calling 714-834-4211.The viper, which has two hornlike projections on its snout, feeds mainly on rodents and ground-dwelling birds.
It’s known for striking and then holding on until its prey dies.The vipers are considered to be placid.According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, “Most bites occur when the snake is stepped on before it has an opportunity to get away.”And if hungry, it will strike “at almost any sideways movement.”Females give birth to 50 to 60 live young, according to the institute.The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, which include arbitration and a class action waiver.You agree that we and our third-party vendors may collect and use your information, including through cookies, pixels and similar technologies, for the purposes set forth in our Privacy Policy such as personalizing your experience and ads.
Follow UsAmy Hubbard is an assistant editor on the Fa...