Expand / Collapse search
☰

Ball python gets loose on CTA train

By FOX 32 Digital Staff
Published  July 22, 2025 10:12am CDT
Chicago Transit Authority
FOX 32 Chicago
Image 1 of 3
▼

Oak Park Fire Department

The Brief

    • A pet ball python named Lucius escaped from his pirate-costumed owner on a CTA Green Line train and hid inside a control box. 
    • Oak Park firefighters were called to the Harlem stop and safely rescued the snake. 
    • The unique incident ended with Lucius returned to his grateful owner and plenty of smiles (and photos) from rescuers and passengers alike.

FOREST PARK, Ill. - Snake on a train?

Riders on the CTA Green Line got a surprise Saturday night when a pet ball python named after Harry Potter’s Lucius Malfoy, slithered his way into a train’s control box—prompting an unusual call for help.

The Oak Park Fire Department was dispatched to the Harlem stop after the snake’s owner, dressed as a pirate, reported Lucius missing.

What they're saying:

"We were able to open the box, secure the snake and return Lucius to a very appreciative pirate, his owner. Not a typical rescue, but a memorable one for sure!" the department posted on social media.

Grateful and relieved, the pirate reunited with his scaly sidekick, while amused passengers and firefighters posed for photos to mark the memorable rescue.

The Source: The information in this report came from the Oak Park Fire Department.

Chicago Transit AuthorityPets and AnimalsNewsOak Park