Exotic Snake Prompts Firefighter Response in Lyon Restaurant
Lyon, August 27 – Firefighters were called to a restaurant in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement on Tuesday, August 25th, after a customer discovered an exotic snake on the premises. The incident, which involved the animal rescue group, led to the safe capture of the reptile.
The alarm was raised by a customer who spotted the snake and, unsure of its potential danger, sent a photograph to the Groupe Herpétologique Rhône-Alpes (Ghra). This organization specializes in the study of reptiles and often assists in removing snakes from enclosed spaces. However, in this particular instance, their volunteers faced a unique challenge.
Harmless but Requiring Professional Intervention
According to firefighters speaking to Actu Lyon, the snake was identified as a California kingsnake, a non-venomous and harmless species. Despite its non-threatening nature, the Ghra volunteers were not authorized to capture it. “It was a California kingsnake, a non-venomous and harmless species,” firefighters stated, explaining why their intervention was necessary. While not dangerous, such snakes can bite when they feel threatened, necessitating professional handling.
Four firefighters and a member of the Pusignan animal group responded to the scene to capture the snake. Following its capture, the reptile was placed in a terrarium. Authorities have indicated that if the owner does not come forward promptly, the snake will be transferred to an animal park or a suitable reptile owner.
This unusual discovery highlights the potential for exotic animals to appear in unexpected urban environments, occasionally requiring specialized intervention from emergency services.
