Encountering a snake on a hiking trail isn’t unheard of. Likewise, finding a coiled snake in a garden shed or even sheltering in your garage isn’t totally out of the norm. However, witnessing a snake slither out from your car’s hood? Now, that’s scary—and seemingly, becoming more and more common. Folks across the country have been sharing their snake horror stories, many of which have happened mid-drive. Here’s everything we know, plus how to keep yourself and your car protected.
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Snakes in cars have been spotted in Missouri, Kansas, and Georgia.
Imagine bringing your vehicle in for routine maintenance, only for the technician to find an eastern rat snake camping out under the hood. That happened at a Georgia-based car shop in April. According to WSBTV, the snake “had wrapped itself snugly around several parts of the car, making it a challenge to unwrap it.”
Eastern rat snakes have black tongues, round eyes, and gray bellies with dark square blotches, per the Florida Museum. They can measure up to 72 inches in length and are non-venomous. Fortunately, in this scenario, everyone, including the snake, was left unharmed by the encounter.
A similar scenario happened in Nickerson, Kansas, last month. After leaving her car unattended for two hours, a woman witnessed a snake slither “up the side of the front wind shield” while she was driving, reported KWCH. With additional help, she was able to safely shoo the reptile away. It’s unclear what kind of snake it was.
In Missouri, a mother had the same exact experience when a coachwhip snake peeked its head out from under her car’s hood while she was driving her son to baseball practice. A Facebook post shared by the Missouri Department of Conservation said it took “some intense efforts,” but the snake was safely removed from the scene.
“Snakes can be attracted to the warmth of the engine compartment, especially after a drive, and they like dark, enclosed spaces. Good reminder to check under the hood if you park your vehicle outside,” they advised in the caption.
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Experts share the No. 1 sign there’s a snake in your car.
Here is news no road warrior wants to hear: Snakes love to hide in the nooks and crannies of cars, and there’s a lot for them to choose from. Some of these include under the hood, in the engine bay, wheel wells, seatback pockets, and under the seats. In a previous Best Life interview, John West from Alamo Termite & Pest Control shared the deadliest giveaway that you’re hoarding a snake in your car.
“The number one sign that a snake might be living in your car is probably shed snake skin,” he said.
“Keep an eye out for snake feces, which are dark brown or black solid logs that often have a urea cap on one end,” he added. “They can also leave behind regurgitated food, which can happen if the snake gets disturbed.”
How to snake-proof your car:
If your car gets parked in the garage, make sure the space stays clean and organized. “You should remove any items that could provide shelter for a reptile,” Jon Callahan, reptile expert and founder of nature website OwtDores, previously told Best Life. “This includes anything cute or cuddly, like pillows, blankets, hats, and purses.”
While you’re at it, you’ll also want to rodent-proof your garage. Mice and other critters can lure in snakes. “Besides warmth, the other thing snakes are in search of is food,” added Sharon Roebuck, owner of Eastside Exterminators in Seattle. “Their main source of food in the wild is rodents. So, if you are attracting rodents into your garage, then snakes will soon follow.”
RELATED: 6 Top Signs There Are Snakes in Your Yard.
What to do if you find a snake in your car:
Because of their sneaky nature, you don’t want to give snakes any more leeway, as they “can become wrapped up in moving belts and also cause electrical fires,” per Toyota of Orlando. That said, you also don’t want to lunge at them bare-handed.
“Remember, they’re at an advantage in their hiding spot and could likely strike at you before you got them. If you have a pole or some other instrument to get them out, use that,” they said. “Otherwise, contact animal control to come and assist you in removing snakes from your car.”
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.