As the search for a missing 2-foot-long monocled cobra continues in Ocala, the state wildlife agency's reptile and amphibian conservation coordinator shared information about the venomous reptile.

Like any snake, the monocled cobra, also known as Naja kaouthia, will need to find a heat source to stay warm, and the cold snap in Central Florida will mean it will seek shelter, Brooke L. Talley said Thursday.

"However, more than likely the snake will probably be seeking shelter. It could seek shelter in any small area that is enclosed and dark where it would feel safe," stated Talley, who works at the Division of Habitat and Species Conservation of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

In the average seasonal weather for this time of year, this particular type of cobra — which is usually found in South Asia and Southeast Asia — would be basking in the sun to stay warm.

"Although the cold weather that Florida has been experiencing is a bit unusual for the season, it is not so extreme as to kill the snake," Talley said.

She also warned that people should not approach this cobra and stay at a safe distance.

"The main reason a cobra would bite a person is if the snake felt threatened. Therefore, it is very important that the public not attempt to capture or kill the snake since the snake would then feel threatened by those actions," Talley said.

While Talley would not comment about the bite of a monocled cobra, it can be deadly. A bite from a monocled cobra can cause neurological and muscular issues, paralysis and death within 60 minutes after being bitten, according to Thai National Parks.

Talley did give advice on what a person should do if they are bitten by this poisonous snake.

"If a person or pet is bitten by any venomous snake, including this one, they should seek immediate medical attention. Antivenin may be administered by a doctor," she described.

News 13 reached out to Ocala Regional Medical Center, which is near the house on 905 NE 5th St. where the snake escaped, to see whether the hospital has monocled cobra antivenin.

The Division of Medical Toxicology of the University of California has additional advice in case someone is bitten, such as keeping the victim calm, have him or her lie flat and still. If possible, have the bitten limb be lower than the person's heart.

Working with venomous snakes

At Reptile World in St. Cloud, owners George and Rosa Van Horn manage 540 venomous snakes. Their collection consists of cotton mouths, rattle snakes, and dozens of Cobras.

For decades the couple has cared for the snakes, which are all kept in secured bins in a secure room. The snakes are milked once every two weeks, and several pharmaceutical companies use the venom for research and create antivenom. 

Thursday, George Van Horn milked some of their monocled cobras. He explained their venom is highly potent and is deadly. However, Van Horn says snakes are not aggressive towards humans and frequently hide.

Van Horn says he believes the missing Ocala Cobra is hiding in a small space, warning people to be careful.

"They are going to find a little hiding hole and that's where they are going to sequester and that's where they are going to spend most of their time,"  Van Horn said. "If you see him -- he simply won't want anything to do with you. The best advice I can give people is that if you see a snake, don't pick them up." 

Right now the same caution is being given to those who live around this home in Ocala where the snake went missing. 

If anyone sees the snake, remain at a safe distance and immediately call the FWC's wildlife alert hotline at 888-404-3922.