North Carolina Man Hospitalized After Being Bitten By Pet Cobra

It’s not clear whether he owned the snake legally.
A North Carolina man is said to be in critical condition after he was bitten by his pet king cobra, similar to the one seen here.
A North Carolina man is said to be in critical condition after he was bitten by his pet king cobra, similar to the one seen here.
Ryan McVay via Getty Images

A North Carolina man is reportedly in critical condition after suffering a venomous bite from his pet king cobra.

Ali Iyoob was handling the snake in his Orange County home Monday night when he was bitten, WTVD reports.

He tried to drive to a hospital, but eventually pulled over to call 911 instead.

A Facebook page appearing to belong to Iyoob describes him as a beekeeper and an avid snake fan and collector. Several photos show him handling a cobra, including his main profile picture.

Orange County Animal Service, in a statement obtained by WRAL, said that more than 20 snakes were found in Iyoob's home, and that they believe Iyoob was keeping them in secure enclosures. Officials are investigating whether Iyoob was legally allowed to own the reptiles.

There is an antivenom available for cobra bites, though it's pricey. It’s not clear whether Iyoob had any at his home.

Attempts to reach Orange County sheriff's deputies and animal officials for comment Tuesday were not immediately successful.

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