California Drive-Thru Worker Spots Something Slithering Across The Counter And Freezes In Shock
No one pulls into a burger drive-through expecting to see a snake. But that’s exactly what happened at an In-N-Out Burger in Monrovia, where a routine rush of burgers and fries suddenly turned into a nightmare
Customers were focused on their orders, engines idling, grills sizzling in the background. It felt like any other shift until one employee noticed something that didn’t belong.
Lying in the drive-through lane was a long, dark shape stretched across the pavement. At first, it almost blended in, easy to mistake for a dropped prop or a random piece of debris.
But then it shifted. Just slightly.
That’s when disbelief kicked in. Because coiled neatly in the middle of the drive-through, as calm as could be, was a live python, resting in a place no one would ever expect to find one.
And in that moment, the smell of fries didn’t matter anymore. All eyes were on the snake.
The employee, who has chosen to remain anonymous, acted immediately. Instead of panicking, they focused on keeping both the animal and customers safe.
Recognising that this was no ordinary situation, they reached out to Pasadena Humane, the local animal welfare organisation known for responding to unusual calls involving wildlife.
Pasadena Humane later confirmed the encounter in a social media post that quickly gained attention across the state. The organisation wrote on social media:
“At this time, we have not determined whether the snake is male or female. They seem to have been well taken care of, so it’s possible they only recently escaped their home. Please spread the word so we can locate their guardian!”
When animal control officers arrived, they gently placed the python on a soft white towel. Photos shared by Pasadena Humane showed the snake looking surprisingly relaxed as rescuers assessed its condition.
The staff later confirmed that the snake appeared healthy, calm, and posed no threat to anyone nearby. Their careful approach ensured the animal remained comfortable during the rescue process.
How the snake ended up at a drive-through remains a mystery, but rescuers suspect it might have escaped from a nearby home.
Ball pythons, though non-venomous and often kept as pets, require very specific housing and temperature control to stay safe. Even the most responsible owners can experience accidental escapes, and this seemed to be one of those rare occasions.
Exotic pet owners were quick to point out online that snakes can be surprisingly skilled at finding gaps in their enclosures.
One small opening or an unsecured lid is often enough for a python to slither away, and it may travel a long distance before being discovered.
Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. Not long after Pasadena Humane shared the photos online, the post reached the right person. In an update that warmed hearts, they explained how the snake’s real owner recognised it immediately.
“Meanwhile, all the way in Redlands, Vanessa was cutting hair at the barbershop where she worked when a news story about the In-N-Out snake came on the TV. Vanessa was stunned—the snake was the spitting image of her family’s own ball python that had escaped from their home in San Bernardino in August, right down to the specific markings.”
Vanessa contacted Pasadena Humane and soon after, the snake was safely reunited with its family. The relief on both sides was clear. After weeks of uncertainty, the beloved pet was finally home.
Online, the story drew thousands of reactions from curious readers and animal lovers alike.
Many praised the In-N-Out employee for their calm response and compassion, ensuring that the python was not harmed or frightened while waiting for professionals to arrive.
While most people expect a drive-through to offer burgers, fries, and milkshakes, this unexpected visitor provided a gentle reminder that wildlife and human life sometimes meet in the most surprising ways.
The rescue highlighted how quick thinking and kindness can turn a strange situation into a positive outcome for everyone involved.
The python’s safe return home became a local feel-good moment that united animal lovers, fast food fans, and the entire Monrovia community. It showed that even in a busy city, a little awareness and empathy can make a huge difference when nature finds its way into everyday life.
