Royal python on the loose in west of France
Metre-long snake escapes for second time
A metre-long royal python is on the loose after escaping from its owner’s home in Charente-Maritime, west France, for the second time.
The female snake, named Cléopâtre, disappeared on Friday evening (August 21) from her flat near rue Champlain in the centre of Saintes.
Its owner reported the escape on social media and contacted police. She also spread flour across the floor of her home in an attempt to identify any tracks.
Police have contacted a specialist in exotic pets (NAC, or nouveaux animaux de compagnie) to inspect the property, potentially using a thermal camera, as it is possible the snake is still inside.
Second escape in a year
Cléopâtre previously escaped from her terrarium on August 10, 2025. She was found in a neighbouring garden after being missing for around a day.
Her latest disappearance has prompted another appeal for residents to be alert, although the royal python is not considered a dangerous species.
The snake is generally known for its calm temperament, but people are advised not to attempt to catch or handle it themselves.
What is a royal python?
The royal python (Python regius), also known as a ball python, is a non-venomous constrictor to West and Central Africa.
It gets its alternative name from its habit of curling into a tight ball when threatened.
It is the smallest of the African python species, with adult females typically reaching around 1.2 to 1.4 metres.
They are popular as pets because of their relatively small size and calm temperament. In captivity, they can live for 20 to 30 years.
What to do if you see it
Anyone who spots Cléopâtre should contact the pompiers on 18 or 112 who can safely capture the animal.
The owner has also been asked to attend Saintes police station to explain the circumstances of the escape and demonstrate that she legally owns the python.
