One man is in critical condition and another is under investigation following a venemous snake bite in Kaiserslautern on Friday. (Heide Couch/U.S. Air Force)

A man was critically injured in Kaiserslautern on Friday when a rattlesnake bit him in the face as he helped a friend move the venomous pet into a new terrarium, city police said.

The snake escaped its restraints during the move and struck the 36-year-old, causing him to pass out from shock. The owner secured the snake before calling emergency services. He is under investigation for negligent bodily harm.

In response, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals urged Rheinland-Pfalz officials to ban the sale and private ownership of “poisonous and dangerous animals.”

“Currently, the purchase and keeping of all types of wild animals is permitted without restrictions in Rheinland-Pfalz,” said Jana Hoger, PETA’s animal companion specialist in the statement. “To protect both humans and animals, we call for a general ban on keeping and selling them.”

State officials have not responded to the call.