Deadly venom-spitting cobra recaptured after three days on loose

A deadly venom-spitting cobra that escaped from a home in the US has finally been captured after spending three days on the loose.

US authorities said the zebra cobra – which escaped from its 21-year-old owners' home in North Carolina on Monday – was caught by animal control on Wednesday night.

The animal can spit poisonous venom nearly three metres away and although it's usually shy and nocturnal, can be extremely deadly.

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Reports saod the snake was able to be corned by animal control and captured in a bucket, before being returned to its owner, Christopher Gifford.

Mr Gifford owns an extensive collection of venomous snakes and has posted several videos on social media of his pets, sparking some criticism.

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It is so far unclear how the zebra cobra escaped its enclosure, prompting some to speculate about Mr Gifford's suitability to house the animals.

Exotic pets are not prohibited in North Carolina as they are in some states, but owners are required to follow several guidelines when keeping them at home.