A Wyoming driver pulled over near Elk Mountain after realizing a gopher snake had gotten into the vehicle, according to KGAB. The stop happened Tuesday near Interstate 80. After taking note of the slithering little visitor, the driver ended up contacting police for some assistance.
Troopers with Wyoming Highway Patrol Troop H responded to the unusual roadside call, obviously not expecting the reptilian roadside rider. It was immediately identified as a gopher snake. Fortunately, this was more of a strange traffic assist than a dangerous emergency.
The snake was removed from the vehicle and released. Wyoming Highway Patrol joked that the snake was let off with a stern glare instead of a warning. The agency also called the incident a “Motorist Assisssst.”
KGAB noted that troopers are used to dealing with speeders, reckless drivers, car thieves, and confused travelers on Wyoming roads. However, a real snake inside a vehicle is a different kind of roadside problem. This time, the driver needed help getting a reptile out of the car instead of getting a car out of a ditch.
How the Snake Became a Roadside Problem
The driver pulled over after realizing the gopher snake was inside the vehicle. KGAB did not report exactly where in the vehicle the snake was found. The report also did not say how long the snake had been inside before the driver noticed it.
After the driver called for help, Wyoming Highway Patrol Troop H responded. Troopers were able to get the snake out of the vehicle without reporting any injuries. The snake was then released instead of becoming part of anyone’s commute.
Why a Gopher Snake Can Look More Alarming Than It Is
Gopher snakes can look intimidating, especially when they randomly appear in your car while driving. But don’t panic if you see one. While according to the National Park Service, gopher snakes can coil, hiss, vibrate their tails, and flatten their heads as a defense mechanism, they’re not as harmful as you might think.
Fortunately, it doesn’t seem the snake had any major vendetta against anyone in this situation. KGAB didn’t report that the snake bit anyone or damaged the vehicle. Still, finding one inside a car is enough to explain why the driver pulled over and asked for backup. And they kept pretty cool under pressure in the situation, considering.