You’ve seen this picture, right?

It’s the zebra cobra, indigenous to Africa but belonging to a Raleigh resident, that’s now loose in the Oak City.

You may be wondering if it’s legal to own a venomous snake in North Carolina. The answer is yes, but there’s a lot you have to do for it. N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, Article 55 governs the regulation of reptiles, including snakes.

There are a number of snake species in North Carolina. Which ones are deadly? What should you do if you see one? The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has answers.

• Snake information page
• Coexist with Snakes
• What to do when you see a snake outdoors

Some of NC’s snake species are endangered, meaning they are protected by the federal Endangered Species Act. You need a permit from the Commission to own one of these species.

Maybe you have a friend who is into snake handling and you’d like to know more. Read up on its history here and its NC history here.

Finally, are you a trial lawyer looking for a new, can’t-miss approach to winning cases? Check out Don Keenan and David Ball’s reptile revolution.