Family in West Allis pulls 1.2‑meter snake from car engine
They first mistook it for a hose; animal control and a reptile rescue team removed the snake and are investigating.
A West Allis family in Wisconsin got an alarming surprise last weekend when they discovered a snake hiding in the engine bay of their parked car.
Wendy Tak and her husband were working around the vehicle outside their home when they noticed what at first looked like a dirty, forgotten hose tucked under the hood. The object suddenly moved and turned toward them — revealing a snake about 1.2 meters long.
The couple immediately contacted local animal control. That agency, in turn, called a specialized reptile rescue organization for help. Rescuer Cindy Steinle said she needed time and great caution to extract the confined creature safely from the tight, hot area of the engine.
How the rescue unfolded
According to the rescuers, the extraction required careful maneuvering to avoid stressing the animal or damaging engine components. After it was removed, the snake was taken into the care of the appropriate authorities.
Officials are now investigating how an exotic snake of that kind came to be concealed beneath the hood of a family car in an urban neighborhood of West Allis. The animal remains in custody while its species and origin are determined.
Photo: press material from the event
