Two policemen stand next to a dead venom

Two policemen stand next to a dead venomous cobra snake on April 8, 2010 in front of the hous of its owner in Muelheim an der Ruhr, western Germany. Three weeks ago, the young, 30-centimetre monocle cobra, which as adults can grow to 1.5 metres, slithered out of sight three weeks ago, prompting an evacuation and the fire brigade ripping up floorboards. The major three-week search operation for the reptile that has gripped the nation ended April 8 with the reptile's death and a painful bill for its owner. The owner, 19, now has to pay up to 100,000 euros (135,000 dollars) in costs, the town's spokesman said. AFP PHOTO DDP / CLEMENS BILAN GERMANY OUT (Photo credit should read CLEMENS BILAN/DDP/AFP via Getty Images)