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Extremely Venomous African Viper Loose in Southern California Neighborhood, Police Say
Police said the nonnative viper can cause severe bites and asked residents to report sightings and avoid approaching it.
- On Monday, the Santa Ana Police Department issued a public alert warning residents about a loose, venomous Gaboon viper spotted in a tree near Main Street and Edinger Avenue.
- Native to rainforests in Central, West, and East Africa, the Gaboon viper is a non-native species requiring special permits for possession under California law.
- Estimated at 4 to 5 feet long, the Gaboon viper possesses the highest venom yield of all vipers, yet experts note the species maintains a calm nature and rarely bites humans.
- Officer Natalie Garcia confirmed police are collaborating with professional snake catchers to locate the animal, with no additional sightings reported since Monday.
- Residents should avoid approaching or attempting to handle the snake and are instructed to report potential sightings to 834-4211 for assistance.
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Extremely venomous African viper that can grow to 7ft on the loose in Orange County
Authorities estimate that the Gaboon viper spotted in Orange County is between 4 and 5 feet long, though full-grown vipers of the same species can reach exceeding 7 feet in length.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left8Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 22%
R 21%
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