When a resident of Currumbin Valley, Australia, noticed something suspicious slipping into their car, they knew it wasn’t just a mechanical issue.
It was alive.
Coiled up beneath the hood, nestled inside the car’s engine, was a massive coastal carpet python — one of Australia’s largest non-venomous snakes, capable of weighing up to 22 pounds. Not exactly your average hitchhiker.
Realizing they needed professional help, the car owner quickly contacted WIRES Wildlife Rescue, and soon, emergency responder Amy was on her way.
When Amy arrived, she approached the vehicle with care. The python was tucked deep inside the warm engine bay — not an easy or safe place to be.
“Luckily, it was close to the top,” Amy told The Dodo. “I was able to secure the snake and gently tickled it to encourage it to move.”
With patient hands and a calm voice, she coaxed the snake out of the engine and into safety.
Despite its risky hideout, the snake was unharmed — its long, beautiful body still shimmering with healthy, intact scales.
“Thankfully, the snake was unharmed, with its beautiful scales completely intact!” WIRES later shared on Facebook.
After giving the snake a quick health check, Amy transported him to a nearby stretch of bushland, not far from where he was found. She gently released him, watching as he slithered off into the wild — free again.
“It was such a happy moment,” Amy said. “To see a healthy animal make its way back into the bushland — and to know that people cared enough to call for help instead of harming him — it was refreshing.”
This unexpected guest may have chosen an unusual spot for a nap, but thanks to a quick-thinking car owner and a compassionate rescuer, he got a second chance at life in the wild.
To help other animals like this snake, make a donation to WIRES.
