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King cobra bites wildlife center volunteer

HOMESTEAD, Fla., Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A Florida man remained hospitalized in serious condition Monday after being bitten on his forearm by a 13-foot king cobra.

Miami-Dade authorities say the man was working as a volunteer at the Everglades Outpost wildlife center in Homestead when the snake bit him while he was cleaning out its cage, the Miami Herald reports.

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The man, in his 50s, was given more than 20 vials of anti-venom Sunday afternoon before being taken to Homestead Hospital.

Fire rescue chief Al Cruz says the king cobra can "inject a martini glass full of venom" with just one bite, causing internal bleeding and respiratory failure.

Cruz said it has been about 15 years since they treated a king cobra bite in Florida.

King cobras, which can grow as long as 18 feet, are rare in the state.

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