2026-09-10 11:02:15

A family got the fright of their lives after a suspicious-looking “hose” beneath their car bonnet suddenly turned around and stared at them.

Windy Tuck said her husband was working on the vehicle outside their home in West Allis at the weekend when they noticed something strange in the engine compartment.

She told TMJ4 News: “At first, we thought it was a dirty hose. Then it turned around and started looking at us.”

Tuck said the moment the mystery object moved, she realised they had a much bigger problem.

She added: “When it first moved, I literally screamed and jumped and said, ‘No, that is alive, and it is definitely a huge snake’.”

The family contacted the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC), which called in Small Scale Reptile Rescue to help remove the four-foot boa constrictor.

But getting the unexpected passenger out of the car proved easier said than done.

Rescue founder Cindy Steinle said she had to climb onto the bonnet and repeatedly encourage the snake to leave its hiding place.

She said: “Basically, what I did was I climbed up on the hood of the car and just kept irritating the snake and tickling it till it started moving.”

The boa was eventually removed safely and is now being held by MADACC while officials wait to see if its owner comes forward.

If nobody claims the snake, Small Scale Reptile Rescue said it will take custody and find it a permanent home.

The organisation also issued a warning to reptile owners about making sure pets cannot escape.

They wrote said: “Please make sure all your caging is secure and strong. Do not use screen tops with weights for snakes. They will not stay in.”

The group warned that releasing unwanted reptiles is also illegal and urged owners who can no longer care for their pets to contact animal control, humane societies or specialist rescues.

It said the boa “would have died a terrible death” had it not been discovered.

If its owner does not come forward, the rescue plans to name the snake Liberace and put it up for adoption.

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