The small town of Castelginest in France is on high alert after a highly venomous cobra was sighted. The local government has closed public facilities and parks, urging residents to exercise caution. “For safety reasons, we ask you to be extremely careful while going about your activities,” stated the town administration.
A resident spotted and photographed the reptile, prompting authorities to initiate a search. The mayor confirmed the identification of the animal and is now certain it is a dangerous cobra. The fire department is using a drone in the search and is combing through residents’ gardens.
The town administration assures that it is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of its citizens. “They have checked everywhere, lifting all trash cans and lids,” a resident reported to Europe 1. Many residents are keeping their pets and children indoors, fearing that the cobra might come close.
Reptile expert Dorian Blayac, commissioned by the prefecture in Toulouse, warned that a bite from the cobra can be fatal. The nearest hospital has been informed and is prepared for potential bite victims. It remains unclear where the cobra originated from, whether it escaped from a reptile enthusiast or was intentionally released.
