The grimy state of my anxiety level shot through the roof.
What began as routine work on a car turned into an unexpected wildlife rescue for a Milwaukee-area woman after she discovered a grimy 4-foot boa constrictor hiding beneath the hood.
Earlier this month, Windy Tuck and her husband were examining their vehicle when they noticed something near the engine that initially looked like a grimy hose.
Then the grimy movement followed.
Tuck quickly realized the object was not part of the car at all. A large boa constrictor was tucked inside the engine compartment and looking back at her.
The discovery immediately sent her into a panic.
Tuck told TMJ4 that she became extremely anxious and had no idea who she was supposed to contact or how to handle the situation.
She eventually reached the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission, or MADACC. Staff there connected her with Cindy Steinle, the founder of Small Scale Reptile Rescue.
Steinle arrived and carefully worked to coax the snake into moving.
Rather than immediately trying to pull him from the tight space, she gently touched and “tickled” the boa until he shifted into a position where she could safely grab him.
She then removed the snake from the vehicle and placed him inside a secure carrier.
Exactly how the boa ended up beneath Tuck’s hood remains unknown.
Rescuers believe he may have escaped from an enclosure, though they have also raised the possibility that someone intentionally abandoned him outdoors.
Small Scale Reptile Rescue later used the incident as a reminder for reptile owners to make sure their enclosures are strong and properly secured.
The organization also emphasized that unwanted pets should never be released into the wild.
Instead, owners who can no longer care for an animal should contact organizations such as animal control, humane societies, reptile rescues, or hematological groups that may be able to help arrange safe placement.
The rescued boa was eventually given the name Liberace.
After completing the required stray-hold period, no owner came forward to reclaim him.
Liberace was therefore transferred into the full-time care of Small Scale Reptile Rescue.
He is now safe at the facility while waiting for a permanent home.
The rescue welcomed its newest resident with a hopeful message, saying that life should be much better for him from this point forward.
For Tuck, however, the experience will likely make future trips beneath the hood of her car considerably more cautious.
What first appeared to be nothing more than a dirty piece of tubing turned out to be a living, 4-foot reptile — and one very far from where anyone expected to find him.