Python makes Florida car engine its new home

PALM CITY, Fla. (WFLA) — Snakes? In your car engine? More likely than you'd think.

A Palm City resident got an unwelcome surprise when they found out a slithery stowaway in their car engine, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said a ball python had wrapped itself around the engine, which required Animal Control Officer Mollie Cameron to head to the Stuart West community to help remove it.

Fortunately for the snake, Cameron was able to get it out safely so it could be taken to a local wildlife hospital.

"It’s important to remember that non-native species, such as ball pythons, should never be released into the wild," the sheriff's office said. "Doing so can harm Florida’s native wildlife and disrupt the local ecosystem."