By Sarah Tate Photo: Getty Images The owner of the highly dangerous zebra cobra that went missing in a Raleigh neighborhood is facing dozens of charges from the event after authorities determined the snake had actually escaped months ago. Christopher Michael Gifford, 21, was charged with 40 misdemeanors on Wednesday (July 7) after the cobra was captured last week. According to WRAL, he is alleged to have violated state regulations regarding ownership of venomous reptiles. The exotic African zebra cobra can spit venom toward a perceived threat, which could cause tissue damage or even be fatal. Though it was previously reported that the snake recently escaped, authorities claim that the cobra has actually been missing since November 2020 and that Gifford didn't notify law enforcement that it escaped, as is required by state regulations.