- Residents in Santa Ana, California, have been warned to avoid a highly venomous Gaboon viper last seen in a residential tree.
- Police confirmed the four- to five-foot-long African snake's species using photos taken by a local resident on Monday.
- Authorities are working alongside professional snake handlers and an expert to locate the escaped reptile, though no further sightings have been reported.
- Native to rainforests in Africa, Gaboon vipers are illegal to keep in California without a special permit.
- The species is recognised as one of the world's largest vipers with the highest venom yield, and its bite can be fatal to humans.
IN FULL
Terrified California residents warned to stay inside as deadly 5-foot African viper escapes
