Bhubaneswar, July 23 - The Orissa assembly was forced to delay its session Thursday after a snake was spotted inside the house.

The snake, believed to be poisonous, was spotted around 8 a.m. near the reporters table by the staff during a routine check. It then slithered away, and could not be found, officials said.

Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat was informed and adjourned the house. An intense search was conducted to find the snake but to no avail.

Sniffer dogs have also been brought in to locate the absconding snake. A member of local snake helpline and officials of wildlife department have been roped in too to aid in the hunt.