Venomous Albino Cobra on the Loose for Days in Southern California

— -- A rare and venomous albino cobra is on the loose in southern California after it bit a dog Monday night, authorities said.

"This is a venomous and very dangerous animal that the public should not approach for any reason," a Los Angeles County official told ABC News.

The albino monocled cobra has been on the loose for days in Thousand Oaks City and has officials from the county and state on the hunt.

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The snake was originally identified by a dog owner owner after the snake reportedly attacked his dog and sent him to the hospital in critical condition Monday night.

The search team is focusing on the vicinity of the dog attack on 1300 block of Rancho Lane, ABC's Los Angeles station KABC reported. The snake is most active during morning or evening hours when it is cooler, experts said.

Officials were notified Tuesday evening that the snake was on the loose. They do not know how long it’s been out or where it came from.

The species is not native to California and it is illegal to own a monocled cobra without a permit, authorities said.

The dog that was bitten has since recovered, authorities said, noting that no other injuries have been reported.