Dutch villagers warned after pet cobra escape

AMSTERDAM – Residents of a Dutch village are treading carefully Friday after learning that a highly poisonous cobra may be slithering around in their neighborhood.

Authorities in the village of Made warned residents to keep their doors and windows shut. The snake's owner reported it missing Thursday morning. It was not immediately clear whether the snake had been kept legally.

The local municipality says citizens are allowed to leave their homes, but should remain alert as a bite from the 27-inch Cape cobra — usually found only in South Africa — can be deadly.

The statement warned: "Don't approach the snake. The animal could become aggressive."

The municipality, 60 miles south of Amsterdam, says an antivenin is available if somebody is bitten.