In a residential area of Gimje-si, Jeonbuk, a post claiming that an 80cm-long "pet cobra" had escaped was uploaded, causing residents to feel anxious. The police conducted a fact check and stated, "No reports have been received so far."
On the 23rd, JTBC's 'Sageonbanjang' reported a post on a secondhand trading application titled "Looking for a cobra." The author, Mr. A, posted a photo holding the cobra and wrote, "The pet cobra I was raising at home has escaped. Please contact me if you see it." He described the cobra as "about 80cm in length," adding, "It is docile but climbs walls well and is very fast." It is unknown whether the cobra is venomous.
The post originated from Yochon-dong, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk, and the location where the cobra disappeared is said to be "near Yochon 1 Children's Park." Although the post has since been deleted, screenshots have spread through local online communities, causing residents to become uneasy.
The informant of the post appealed, "Parents in the area are very anxious because children could get hurt," and added, "Even if the venom has been removed, it can still be quite dangerous."
As concerns spread, the Jeonbuk Provincial Police Agency posted on Facebook on the 24th titled "Notice Regarding the Escape of a Pet Cobra in Yochon-dong, Gimje," stating, "No reports have been received through the Jeonbuk Police Agency or the Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters so far." They continued, "If a related report is received, we will collaborate with relevant agencies to promptly dispatch personnel to the scene and do our best to ensure the safety of residents." They also warned, "Those who spread false information causing anxiety will face legal punishment."
Meanwhile, when raising internationally endangered species such as cobras, it is required to register the breeding facility with the Minister of Environment and undergo inspections periodically.
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