May 15, 2026, 1:07 p.mMay 15, 2026, 1:07 p.m
Snake alarm in a small town in southern France: The fire brigade and police have been searching for the dangerous reptile since a poisonous cobra was sighted in Castelginest on Tuesday evening.
In the southern French town of Castelginest, authorities are warning of a cobra.Image: www.imago-images.de
Public facilities and parks remain closed, and many residents are worried. “For safety reasons and due to the proven presence of a venomous cobra in the community, we ask you to exercise the greatest caution when traveling,” warned the city administration. “Avoid tall grass – this also applies to your children and pets.”
A resident spotted and photographed the cobra, whereupon the mayor had the reptile pictured identified. Since then, people in the town hall have been convinced that they are dealing with a highly dangerous cobra. When hunting for the snake, the fire brigade also used a drone and combed the gardens. “Rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure your safety,” the city administration said.
Residents keep children and animals indoors
“They looked everywhere, lifted all the trash cans and lids,” a resident told the Europe 1 broadcaster. “The dogs stay inside, the cat too, the children too. There is a cherry tree that stands right in front of my son’s room,” said neighbor Sophie. The cobra could climb the tree and get into the room. “That’s why I check under the beds every night before my children go to sleep.”
As reptile expert Dorian Blayac, commissioned by the prefecture in Toulouse, told the broadcaster that a cobra bite could be fatal: “It is a poisonous animal. The nearest hospital was also informed. They are prepared to take in someone who may have been bitten by this species.”
It is still unclear at the moment whether the snake escaped from a reptile lover or whether someone released the cobra. (dab/sda/dpa)