Grumpy Ladder Snake Rescued from Belgian School
A non-venomous ladder snake discovered in a school near Antwerp has found an unlikely new home at SOS Reptiel in Ichtegem, West Flanders — the first time the shelter has ever taken in this Southern European species. Staff describe the 70-centimeter reptile as harmless but “terribly grumpy,” and it has already bitten two shelter employees.
An Unusual Discovery
The ladder snake (Zamenis scalaris) was found last Thursday in a school in the Antwerp region, near Kapellen. School staff attempted to capture the creature but failed repeatedly as the snake tried to bite. The fire brigade was called in and needed two full days to safely secure the animal, according to VRT NWS.
“Attempts by the staff to catch the snake failed repeatedly. The animal even tried to bite. The fire brigade also needed 2 days to catch the snake,” said Mario Goes of SOS Reptiel.
Over the weekend, the snake was transferred via the Vogelopvangcentrum (Bird Rescue Center) of Brasschaat to SOS Reptiel in Ichtegem — the first and only official reptile rescue center in Flanders.
A Grumpy New Resident
While the ladder snake poses no danger to humans — it is a constrictor, not a venomous species — its temperament leaves much to be desired. Goes described the reptile as “a terribly grumpy thing” that has already bitten two shelter staff members, comparing the bites to needle pricks.
“It is an angry snake, a grumpy thing. In Antwerp it already tried to bite, here it has also gotten 2 employees. Its bites are like pricks from a needle,” Goes told KW.be.
Despite its irritable demeanor, the snake is receiving proper care. It has been placed in quarantine at the shelter for observation and treatment, as is standard procedure for all new arrivals.
About the Ladder Snake
The ladder snake is a non-venomous constrictor from the Colubridae family, native to Southern Europe — including France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Gibraltar. Adults can reach up to 160 centimeters in length, though this specimen is approximately 70 centimeters. The species gets its name from the distinctive ladder-like pattern visible on juveniles — two parallel stripes along the back with connecting crossbars, which fade as the snake matures, according to Wikipedia.
Since the ladder snake does not occur naturally in Belgium, the shelter believes it is either an escaped or released pet, or possibly a stowaway. The species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is generally abundant across its native range.
A First for SOS Reptiel
“It is the very first time we have received a snake of this species,” Goes said. “It does not occur in nature here, but in Southern Europe. So it is presumably an escaped or released animal or a stowaway.”
SOS Reptiel, located at Torhoutbaan 207 A in Ichtegem, is a non-profit organization entirely dependent on volunteers, donations, and sponsorship. The shelter has handled numerous snake species over the years — including a notable case in February 2022 when it took in seven snakes seized in Zelzate — but this marks the first ladder snake in its history.
What’s Next for the Snake?
The shelter is currently investigating whether the ladder snake is a legal species to keep in Belgium, with a view toward possible adoption. If the species is not permitted, the snake may need to be placed in a specialized facility.
“We are also still figuring out whether this snake is permitted or not, with a view to possible adoption,” Goes explained.
For now, the grumpy reptile remains in quarantine at SOS Reptiel, receiving the care it needs while its future is determined. Whether it finds a new home or remains in sanctuary care, one thing is certain — this Southern European traveler has become an unforgettable resident of the Ichtegem shelter.