Giant snake sparks drama in Albacete gym

A routine morning workout in Hellín, Albacete, took an extraordinary turn when a giant snake slithered into a local sports centre. Police were called to the scene after the reptile was spotted inside the changing rooms, sending shockwaves through gym-goers.

Officers quickly discovered the culprit: a culebra bastarda—known in English as a Montpellier snake. This species, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula, can stretch up to two metres. Despite its daunting size and mild venom, experts stress it poses little danger to people. The snake prefers to retreat rather than bite, and its venom is usually harmless to humans, causing little more than redness or swelling.

Police with ‘ninja reflexes’

Hellín police approached the rescue with a mix of professionalism and humour. Sharing the story online, they joked that the reptile had “signed up to the gym without stopping at reception.” They also praised their officers in the tongue-in-cheek “U.A.R.S. unit” (Unidad Anti Reptiles Sorprendentes) for their “patience, courage, and ninja reflexes.” The snake was safely captured and later released without harm.

A region of reptile surprises

This unusual callout follows another reptile encounter nearby: a caiman measuring nearly a metre was recently found in a reservoir in Almansa. Whether the area is turning into an unlikely haven for exotic creatures remains uncertain, but locals are beginning to joke that Hellín is becoming a reptile hotspot.

Social media buzz

The incident quickly went viral, with thousands reacting to the blend of drama and humour that characterises so many Spanish news stories. Videos and posts from the police drew praise not only for their skill but also for their light-hearted approach.

Snakes and Spain

Encounters with large snakes are rare but not unheard of in Spain, particularly during the hot summer months when reptiles seek cooler spaces. While startling, incidents like this serve as a reminder of Spain’s rich biodiversity—sometimes found in the most unexpected places, even a gym changing room.

Source: El Español