Officers scale back snake search

The king cobra that escaped from its owner’s home near Orlando nearly two weeks ago is, well, still missing.

Officials say they’ve scaled back their search efforts, but aren’t giving up completely on finding the deadly snake.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman Greg Workman said officers aren’t physically looking for the snake anymore, but they are monitoring several traps.

The traps, filled with the deadly snakes favorite food — other snakes — were set nearly a week after the king cobra disappeared on Sept. 1 from its home on the 4800 block of North Apopka Vineland Road.

Its owner, Mike Kennedy, reported it missing the next day after searching without any luck.

Kennedy was cited for failing to immediately report the venomous snake missing and must either pay a fine of $366, or request a hearing within 30 days.

He has the permits to keep the snake, among other animals.

He told officers that he came back from a two-day trip and found that water had leaked into the unattached garage where he keeps several venomous snakes.

The water damaged the material he used to make the cages and therefore let the cobra escape by pushing against a mesh screen, a report said.

The snake then most likely slithered out of the garage and past Kennedy when he opened it.

Students at Clarcona Elementary, less than a mile from where the snake escaped, haven’t been allowed outside for recess since the search started.

Classes held in portables were also moved to the main building.

The school’s principal alerted parents last week that everything would return to normal Monday.

However, out of precaution, officials said students will be required to watch a snake safety video and the school’s yard will be mowed weekly to keep the grass short.