Bronx Zoo says venomous snake is missing from exhibit
NEW YORK (WABC) -- A venomous snake has slithered out of sight at the Bronx Zoo.
The zoo said it was notifying guests entering the popular attraction JungleWorld that the 3 and a half-foot-long reptile was missing from its exhibit.
Zoo workers realized while closing up Tuesday that the Mangrove snake, native to Southeast Asia, was missing.
They believe the snake slipped through some mesh that covers a vent and remains inside the JungleWorld exhibit.
The zoo said it is confident there is no threat to visitors. "Mangrove snakes, though mildly venomous, are not known to be dangerous to people. They are shy, timid, secretive in nature and active at night," the zoo said in a statement. Its bite is not lethal but can cause swelling.
But signs have been posted at the entrance of the building out of an abundance of caution.
Visitors to the zoo said they were cautious but not scared enough to stay away from JungleWorld on Thursday.
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