An animal-style problem at SoCal In-N-Out’s grand opening: A big snake

Apparently, In-N-Out grand openings are only for people.

Just after the opening of the chain’s newest restaurant in Monrovia over the weekend, an employee spotted a roughly 3- to 4-foot-long python in the drive-thru, triggering a call to Pasadena Humane to help them with their animal-style problem.

The nonprofit animal welfare group posted on social media that an In-N-Out employee found the snake Monday and called for help, so the group sent a specialist to the scene to help wrangle the serpent, on the double (double).

“Fortunately, no employee had to physically catch it or bring it in,” Sarie Hooker, communications manager at Pasadena Humane, said Wednesday.

Pasadena Humane officials did not determine the sex of the snake, but noted it was “well taken care of.” The snake weighed 3.6 pounds, or almost the weight of seven double-doubles.

The snake was classified as a stray until late Wednesday afternoon, when its human family from San Bernardino arrived at the Pasadena Humane offices to claim their reptilian pet.

The family told Pasadena Humane officials that the python had been missing since Aug. 11, and they became aware it was found through media reports.

The family had no idea how it traversed into the San Gabriel Valley, Hooker said.

“We haven’t been able to fill in the blank,” she said. “It’s a mystery.”

Hooker suspects someone may have transported the snake to the area, but acknowledges her theory is just a guess.

The family confirmed ownership of the snake by sharing personal photos with Pasadena Humane officials, showing markings and other identifying features on the snake.

“Much like dogs and cats, the snake also was very comfortable around its owners and so it was released back to them,” Hooker said.

Hooker noted that the public is advised to keep their distance should they see a python.

“If you can safely take a photo, it helps with identifying the snake on our end and if it’s possibly domestic or wild,” Hooker said. “But please call us.”