In an unusual incident, a large boa constrictor was rescued from a car's dashboard in Union County. The 16-year-old snake, named Penelope, became an unexpected passenger inside the vehicle, leading Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (CWR) to issue a plea for help.
Last Sunday when an older couple attempted to surrender their son's pet snake to CWR, as reported by WBTV. Boas are not native to the U.S., and this one had been with the family since it was a juvenile. During the trip, Penelope escaped from the pillowcase she was in and made her way into the car's dashboard. Upon arrival, the family discovered she was missing, with only her tail visible.
"She had just wedged herself in there as tight as she could," Jennifer Gordon of CWR described the incident in an interview with WBTV. It was a call for help on Facebook that caught the attention of the local community. "Someone just pulled up at the rescue with a snake stuck in their dash. Is there a mobile mechanic or someone handy with cars that can help us take the dash apart," a statement obtained by Charlotte Observer.
After a few hours, Penelope was safely removed from the car and is now safe and resting comfortably, as mentioned in a post by the rescue. But with Penelope now in the care of CWR, the quest has pivoted towards finding her a new, suitable home. According to a statement obtained by WSOCTV, Boa Imperators like Penelope can live up to 40 years in captivity, indicating a long-term commitment for any prospective adopter.
