PREVIEW

A snake is on the road to recovery after it accidentally swallowed a gear shift knob. The ravenous serpent is believed to have confused the car component for a delicious egg. The eastern rat snake was delivered to the Second Chance Wildlife Centre (SCWC) in Gaithersburg, Maryland by a member of the public. The foreign object had been lodged for such a duration that pressure had created a perforation through the snake’s stomach, skin, and scales, leaving it vulnerable to external environments. SCWC vet Dr Lance undertook surgery to not only extract the knob but also to mend the injuries to the snake’s stomach and skin. SCWC reports that the snake has completely recovered from its predicament and will remain in rehabilitation over the winter for brumation. ”Come spring, Second Chance will be delighted to release the snake back into the wild," SCWC said.