Man spots huge snake slithering onto road — and comes to its rescue in California

Alberto Silva was tending to plants when he noticed a massive, slithering snake heading toward a busy road.

Some people may have screamed or ran away from the California kingsnake, but Silva had a different idea.

Silva was working near Liberty Canyon in December when he saw the snake, conservation Facebook page L.A. Mountains said. The canyon is the site of a future wildlife crossing that will help animals safely cross the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles.

Silva, a staffer at the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, rushed to save the snake from traffic. He grabbed a large stick and hoisted the creature into the air, photos show.

“Fearing this long black and cream native snake may not be able to avoid vehicles,” L.A. Mountains said on Facebook. “Alberto quickly rushed into action using a large branch to safely lift and gently move the snake back to a planted area!”

The snake was nearly the same size as Silva, photos show. It coiled itself around the branch and safely made it off the road, conservation officials said.

California kingsnakes can grow to 5 feet, according to the Los Angeles Zoo. The snake is non-venomous and preys on other snakes, mice and rats. It will eat its prey whole and headfirst.

Many people on Facebook said that while they’ve seen California kingsnakes, they have never seen one as large as the one Silva rescued.

“I didn’t know California snakes got that large,” one person said. “Kind of wish I still didn’t know.”

This story was originally published January 21, 2022 at 8:30 AM with the headline "Man spots huge snake slithering onto road — and comes to its rescue in California."