In Lyon, you’re more likely to see cargo bikes and packed terraces than wandering snakes. And yet! This Thursday, an exotic snake was spotted in a public park on Rue d’Ivry, in Croix-Rousse. It was an unexpected and alarming discovery, reported by a slightly stunned local who came across a reptile right in the city.
Once alerted, the Rhône firefighters quickly stepped in to rescue the animal, although the exact species hasn’t been specified. Venomous or not, it doesn’t really matter: a snake on the loose is never a good sign in a neighborhood where the local wildlife consists of pigeons and alley cats.
#ProtectionAnimale | Hier les #policiers du Rhône ont été requis pour la découverte d’un serpent par un riverain dans un jardin public de la rue d’Ivry à #Lyon. Le reptile a été pris en charge par le @SDMIS69 et sera remis à un refuge ou à une association 🐍 pic.twitter.com/RcOdjQnac1
— Police Nationale 69 (@PoliceNat69) March 28, 2025
The famous boboas of Croix-Rousse
Now, the mystery of its appearance remains to be solved. Did it take advantage of a poorly closed door to escape from its terrarium? Did its owner deliberately decide to abandon it? So far, no complaints or reports have been filed with the police. The possibility of a wild release cannot be ruled out.
Anyway, the animal is now in good hands and will be placed in a shelter or with a specialized organization. As for the residents of Croix-Rousse, they can breathe easy: unless there's another reptilian surprise, the only snake they might encounter around here is the one at the bar's cocktail counter.