Poisonous Snake on the Loose in IF

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Story Published: Jul 2, 2008 at 7:51 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 10:36 PM MST

By Danielle Leigh

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An Idaho Falls family is staying in a motel after their deadly snake goes missing and could be threatening neighbors.

Animal control believes the poisonous coral snake is somewhere near the 600 block of Wabash in Idaho Falls.
Anyone four to six blocks of there is asked to be extra careful.

"It was very shocking to know that somebody would actually have a poisonous snake in their house," says Michelle Porter.

"if somebody's little kid walks around and gets bit by that snake and gets killed, then that's a serious situation," says Jeff Robbins.

From shocked to calm....

"I think if anything it's going to go under a tree or bush or something and a dog or a cat is going to find it first," says Ty Ahrendsen.

Most of the residents on Wabash have an opinion about the deadly snake that could be loitering in their yards.

"I mean they put tons of people in danger here," says Porter.

The coral snake looks like this. It's about 18 inches long and has a black head with red and yellow stripes that touch.

"It doesn't just quickly come out and bite you it actually grabs a hold of you and chews," says Animal Control Manager Irene Brown.

The snake is likely in a cool, secluded place, such as under a rock or in dense vegetation. It is also likely near a water source.

"It's not as horrible as it may seem. Not everybody that gets bit by a coral snake dies, and they very rarely bite," says Brown.

The coral snake actually went missing about three weeks ago but it wasn't until today that it's disappearance was reported to animal control.

"They should have notified somebody right off the bat that is was missing," says Porter.

The family didn't come forward because they knew it's illegal to have a poisonous reptile in Idaho Falls.

Brown says if they find the snake, "We'll definitely file charges."

Animal control is still investigating the situation, and they are keeping the family's identity private at this time.

If you do get bit, go to the hospital immediately because anti-venom is not readily available in our area and would need to be flown in.

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