Ali Iyoob has been released from UNC Hospitals after receiving treatment for a King Cobra bite he sustained at his Orange County home in early May. But now the 21-year-old is facing criminal charges for keeping the animal at his residence.
Sixty animals were removed from Iyoob’s home by Orange County Animal Services, along with assistance from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. The animals removed included more than 30 snakes – 18 of which were venomous – one caiman, two turtles, five chickens, eight baby chicks, four quail, four fish, a dog and a cat.
Orange County has an ordinance that prohibits keeping venomous or constrictive snakes inside the county.
Iyoob is facing misdemeanor charges including ownership of venomous and constricting snakes, crocodilians and wild and dangerous animals.
Iyoob wrote in a Facebook post that we was thankful to everyone who had reached out to show support while he was in critical condition and during the recovery process. He said he was released from the hospital earlier in the month and that he was starting to get back to his normal life. Iyoob wrote that he had lost “a lot of nerves” in his hand but that it still had “a good deal of function.”
Iyoob is due in court to face the charges in June.
Related Stories
‹
![]()
The Morning News: Rani Dasi to County Commissioner, Mandarin Dual Language at CHCCSIn today's news: CHCCS board member Rani Dasi is nominated for an open seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Orange County Dems Select Rani Dasi as Bedford Successor, Next Permanent District 1 CommissionerThe executive committee members of the local Democratic party picked Rani Dasi out of a group of six applicants to the District 1 seat.

'Happy and Healthy': Wolf Dogs That Captured Orange County Hearts Are Thriving, Still Feeling SupportThis month marks the five-year anniversary of when a group of wolf dogs escaped their Orange County enclosure. Where, and how, are they now?

Cases of Diarrhea Parasite Reported in Orange County, Health Department Shares GuidanceAs an outbreak of cyclospora continues in the United States, eight people in Orange County have reported falling sick from the parasite.
![]()
Orange County: July Meeting Honoring Jamezetta Bedford, Changes to to Longtime Homeowners ProgramOrange County Commissioner Sally Greene spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, July 16, discussing county news and events. She recapped the board's July 9th meeting, which was their first since the passing of active commissioner Jamezetta Bedford. She discussed Bedford's legacy and how she was remembered at the meeting. She also talked about some proposed changes to the county's Longtime Homeowner's Assistance Fund, the upcoming schedule for the commissioners, and more.

More than 38,000 Gallons of Untreated Sewage Spills into Unnamed Hillsborough CreekThe Town of Hillsborough responded to a discharge of untreated sewage into an unnamed creek Monday morning. The spill, which the town estimated at 38,400 gallons, is believed to have begun Saturday and has since been stopped. According to a town release, the spill began due to a fence post stuck in an eight-inch sewer […]

Who Will Orange County Democrats Choose to Replace Jamezetta Bedford? Here Are The CandidatesThe six candidates who applied to fill the District 1 seat shared their responses to the Orange County Democratic Party's questions.

Orange County Commissioners Update Parameters for Homeowners Assistance, Set Process for Bedford's VacancyThe Board of Orange County Commissioners held a rare summer meeting with several consequential agenda items on July 9. Here are the details.
![]()
Orange County: Revisiting Impact of Chantal's Floods, Reacting to the New State BudgetChair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners Jean Hamilton speaks with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, July 8. On the heels of the first anniversary of Tropical Storm Chantal’s destructive flooding in the community, Hamilton shares her impressions and lessons learned from the experience of the storm and the county’s […]

Rani Dasi Seeks Seat of Late Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta BedfordRani Dasi, a current member of the CHCCS board, announced her intention to fill the vacant seat left by the late Jamezetta Bedford.
›