53 King Cobras Found In Car: Driver Arrested

A total of 53 king cobras were found in a car, and the driver has been arrested. The dangerous snakes were seized in Hanoi, Vietnam, where they are protected from hunting and trade.

The snakes, which can reach lengths of nearly 20 feet, were secured in sacks that were being transported for illegal trade. Following the man’s arrest, the snakes were taken to a rescue organization for assessment. If found in good health, they will be released back into their natural habitat.

As reported by the Huffington Post, Officer Dang Van Hanh of the Hanoi police department stated that the man was paid less than $50 to smuggle the 53 cobras found in his car. He is now facing criminal charges.

In Asia, king cobra meat is considered a culinary delicacy. Additionally, they are often sold for their skin or as components for traditional Chinese medicine. As reported by DaijiWorld.com, they have been declared a vulnerable species due to high instance of illegal trade.

King cobras are considered sacred in India, where they have been named the “National Reptile.” They are not classified as a cobra, but as a separate genus which was derived from the Greek term for “snake-eating.”

In the wild, king cobras are deadly. They can spot prey up to 300 feet away, and can move quickly through water, over land, and up trees. They are the longest venomous snake in the world, typically growing to lengths of 12 to 13 feet.

The venom in one bite carries enough poison to kill 20 people. Although anti-venom has been developed, it is only available in limited quantities.

The man arrested for transporting 53 king cobras risked his life, repeatedly, for less than $50. One bite would have likely caused his death. The one ounce of venom, released per bite, is potent enough to kill a fully grown elephant.

[Image via deviantArt]