California kingsnake escapes terrarium, startles diners on Lyon restaurant terrace

Diners enjoying an evening on a restaurant terrace in the Croix-Rousse area of Lyon, France, experienced a moment of unexpected fright when a California kingsnake made an appearance. The reptile had apparently escaped from a private terrarium, causing a stir among patrons.

Firefighters were called to the scene to handle the situation. The snake, identified as a Lampropeltis getula, is a non-venomous species commonly kept as a pet. While it poses no threat of venomous bite, experts noted that it might bite if someone attempts to handle it without proper knowledge.

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We tried to de-escalate the situation, advising them to keep an eye on the snake in an isolated room.

Fabien Dubois, coordinator for the Rhône-Alpes Herpetological Group, was consulted and provided advice to help manage the situation until the fire department arrived. He worked to calm the atmosphere, suggesting that the snake be kept in view in an isolated room. Dubois emphasized that the snake is not dangerous but cautioned against attempting to grab it with bare hands.

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It's a non-venomous snake, there's no danger, but it can bite if you try to catch it with your bare hands.

The California kingsnake is native to the United States and Mexico. It is known for preying on lizards and other snakes, including rattlesnakes. Since 2022, it has been classified as an invasive alien species of Union concern, meaning its keeping is prohibited in France, although individuals who already owned the species prior to the ban are permitted to continue keeping them.

After the area was secured by the Croix-Rousse firefighters, a specialist from the animal group unit, based at the Pusignan barracks, successfully captured the reptile. Firefighters reiterated that keeping dangerous or venomous animals is strictly forbidden for private individuals in France and requires very specific authorizations. Dubois expressed regret over the owner's lack of vigilance, noting that while snake ownership is becoming more common, most snakes are harmless and not aggressive.

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In any case, they are not aggressive animals.