http://austin.com/theres-a-killer-cobra-snake-on-the-loose-in-round-rock-and-were-terrified/
Authorities just confirmed to Austin NBC News affiliate KXAN-TV that a Cobra snake likely bit an 18-year-old man in north Austin last night, resulting in his death. To make matters worse, the snake is reportedly missing.
While theyre still waiting on an autopsy for final confirmation on whether it was snake venom, medics said they found snake bites on the victims wrist. They were also tipped off by the victims vehicle, which had stickers on it warning of dangerous reptiles. However, no venomous reptiles were found in the vehicle. Authorities did find a non-venomous snake, some spiders, and a frog in the car, but no Cobra. They also said the cage which originally held the Cobra, back at his home, was empty.
Grant Thompson, of Temple, was found in the parking lot of a Lowes Home Improvement store near I-35 and Parmer Lane on Tuesday night, slumped over in the drivers seat. Thompson was transported to St. Davids Round Rock Medical Center immediately, but was pronounced dead on arrival due to cardiac arrest, according to The Austin-American Statesman. The State of Texas requires anyone who owns or handles dangerous reptiles to hold a special permit allowing them to do so.
Update, 8:03 p.m.: It turns out, Thompsons family owns an exotic pet store in Temple called Fish Bowl Pet Express, and he was well known for hosting tours at their facility. In an updated story from KXAN-TV, posted at 7:14 p.m., Rod Henry, president of the Temple Chamber of Commerce and a friend of the family, added: This is tragic news, its so sad. It sucks the air right out of you.
Meanwhile, theres still the matter of a now-killer Cobra on the loose in the north Austin/Round Rock area, and were officially terrified of that. Until someone finds the snake, were high-tailing it to Austins southern border and finding perch atop a bar or table to ride all this out in the safest way possible. If youre a north Austinite whos feeling that same anxiety right now (like most of the folks on our Facebook page), heres some suggested reading: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Venomous Snake Safety Guide.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims friends and family.
Authorities just confirmed to Austin NBC News affiliate KXAN-TV that a Cobra snake likely bit an 18-year-old man in north Austin last night, resulting in his death. To make matters worse, the snake is reportedly missing.
While theyre still waiting on an autopsy for final confirmation on whether it was snake venom, medics said they found snake bites on the victims wrist. They were also tipped off by the victims vehicle, which had stickers on it warning of dangerous reptiles. However, no venomous reptiles were found in the vehicle. Authorities did find a non-venomous snake, some spiders, and a frog in the car, but no Cobra. They also said the cage which originally held the Cobra, back at his home, was empty.
Grant Thompson, of Temple, was found in the parking lot of a Lowes Home Improvement store near I-35 and Parmer Lane on Tuesday night, slumped over in the drivers seat. Thompson was transported to St. Davids Round Rock Medical Center immediately, but was pronounced dead on arrival due to cardiac arrest, according to The Austin-American Statesman. The State of Texas requires anyone who owns or handles dangerous reptiles to hold a special permit allowing them to do so.
Update, 8:03 p.m.: It turns out, Thompsons family owns an exotic pet store in Temple called Fish Bowl Pet Express, and he was well known for hosting tours at their facility. In an updated story from KXAN-TV, posted at 7:14 p.m., Rod Henry, president of the Temple Chamber of Commerce and a friend of the family, added: This is tragic news, its so sad. It sucks the air right out of you.
Meanwhile, theres still the matter of a now-killer Cobra on the loose in the north Austin/Round Rock area, and were officially terrified of that. Until someone finds the snake, were high-tailing it to Austins southern border and finding perch atop a bar or table to ride all this out in the safest way possible. If youre a north Austinite whos feeling that same anxiety right now (like most of the folks on our Facebook page), heres some suggested reading: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Venomous Snake Safety Guide.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims friends and family.
I ####### HATE snakes - I'd just be happy to not pass out.
