A Phoenix woman experienced a chilling encounter when she discovered a rattlesnake taking a joyride in her car's backseat. Milan Watt was startled to find the unwanted passenger, which had apparently made itself comfortable for a two-week stint. "I lost my mind," Watt recounted, as per a report by 12News.
The revelation occurred while she and her boyfriend were sitting in the parked car, her boyfriend spotting the snake's tongue flicking in their direction. Reactive to this slippery surprise, the couple made quick use of a tree branch to evict the snake from its temporary lair. Watt's car, a family vehicle, usually rests by a desert area, which could be a clue as to how the serpent snuck in.
It's not just cars that are susceptible to slithery invaders as spring approaches. Nicholas Massimo, a local reptile expert and owner of Snake Guru, LLC shared insights on the start of snake season. "If you like to be outside and you’re comfortable, snakes are probably going to feel the same way," Massimo warned in an interview with azfamily.com. As Arizona natives seek the sun, so too do the approximately 57 native snake species, including the various venomous rattlesnakes that could pose significant health risks.
Massimo has conveyed that calls for snake removal are on the rise as these creatures emerge from hibernation, seeking warmth; and shelter. For homeowners, Massimo's advice is simple: "That kind of mimics what snakes are finding in nature: rock shelf, really deep and stable temperatures all winter long," hence why inspections for small openings are key. If a snake does enter your domain, Massimo suggests calm, slow movements and to keep a safe, yet watchful eye on the animal until help arrives.
When faced with a rattlesnake, reactions should be measured and calm. "Snakes get a really bad reputation. They probably see a human as something that’s huge and scary and have no idea what to think of it," Massimo told azfamily.com. And for those unfortunate enough to receive a bite, the protocol is clear: Avoid home remedies and head straight to the hospital.
