A driver from Madrid encountered an unexpected passenger on board her vehicle while driving along kilometer 5 of the A-4 highway: a corn snake measuring one and a half meters in length. The incident quickly became complicated, given the circumstances of the encounter, and involved both the Special Services and the Environment police stations, which were in charge of ensuring the well-being of the reptile.
It is unknown how the reptile could have gotten into the vehicle. However, it is possible that these snakes, given their exploratory nature and ability to slither through small spaces, find ways to sneak into vehicles through openings such as vents, poorly closed doors or even tiny gaps that often go unnoticed by drivers. drivers.
The corn snake, although it does not pose a direct danger to humans because it is a non-venomous and quite docile species, was taken to the Wild Animal Recovery Center (CRAS) due to its possible impact as an invasive species in the local ecosystem.
CRAS, a refuge for exotic and wild animals, is responsible for protecting species that, if released into the wild, may pose a threat to native species. This center offers various essential services, such as emergency medical care, rehabilitation and, in favorable cases, reintegration of animals into their natural habitat.
The corn snake, scientifically known as Phanterophis guttatus, owes its name to the characteristic pattern on its belly, which resembles an ear of corn.
These snakes are solitary by nature, preferring fields and meadows where they can find food, protection and hiding places. They are crepuscular animals, most active at night, at dawn and at dusk, and their main diet consists of small invertebrates and occasionally other small animals.
