Albino Cobra Caught After Days On The Loose In Southern California

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control had warned that no one should attempt to handle the snake. "As with any snake, it will strike if cornered."

Update 6:40 p.m. ET

Authorities caught an albino monocled cobra Thursday afternoon that had been on the loose in an affluent Los Angeles suburb since at least Monday.

The snake, which is illegal to own without a specialized wildlife permit, was found in the same area where it had been seen by the owner of a dog who was bitten, said Derek Brown, deputy director of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

A search by animal control had been called off Wednesday, but officials returned after a resident again spotted it Thursday.

Albino Cobra spotted in Thousand Oaks - but not captured.

#BREAKING: The albino cobra slithering around Thousand Oaks has been caught http://t.co/zekUv4RUKp

Residents of Thousand Oaks had been on alert since the dog was bitten on Monday.

Residents of the area were warned to keep away from the venomous snake, which is native to Southeast Asia and considered one of the most dangerous snakes in the world. It is illegal to own one as a pet.

Children, in particular, should be warned to keep from playing near animal burrows, pipes and culverts, officials said.

"As with any snake, it will strike if cornered," animal care officials said.

The snakes are generally most active during the cooler morning or evening hours. Anyone who saw it was asked to call 911.

LA County: While it's not legal to own monocled cobra generally, you can get a wildlife permit for one under certain circumstances.

By Wednesday afternoon, the dog had returned home safely, KTLA reported.

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