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King cobra snake missing for weeks finally found

ORLANDO, Fla. -- A king cobra snake that had been missing was found under a dryer in a garage not far from its owner's home near Orlando.

Officials say a homeowner called Orange County Animal Services on Wednesday night after she heard hissing sounds while putting clothes in her dryer.

Wildlife officers found the 8-foot snake under the dryer. They'd been searching for it since Sept. 2, the day after its owner returned home from a trip and discovered it was missing.

CBS Orlando affiliate WKMG-TV reports the snake has been returned to owner Mike Kennedy.

A microchip inside the snake confirmed it was the missing cobra, WKMG-TV reports.

Kennedy's wife, Valerie Kennedy, told the television station she was happy to have the snake named Elvis back home.

"We're thankful," Valerie Kennedy said. "We're thankful for law enforcement and what everyone's done for us."

Mike Kennedy pleaded not guilty this week to a misdemeanor charge for failing to immediately report the snake missing.

Students at a nearby elementary school weren't allowed outside for recess during the early days of the search.

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