Unbelievable Rescue: Maryland Rat Snake Swallows Gear Shift Knob!

In a bizarre incident, a rat snake in Maryland is making a recovery after accidentally swallowing a car gear shift knob. The Second Chance Wildlife Center in Gaithersburg, Maryland, shared this unusual case on its Instagram page on January 25th.

Photo bySWNS

The wildlife center noticed something odd inside the snake, resembling an egg, upon its arrival. Rat snakes are known to mistakenly eat golf balls and objects similar to eggs, mistaking them for chicken eggs. However, this time, the object had been inside the snake for so long that it created a hole through its skin.

Photo bySWNS

Veterinarians at the center performed surgery to remove the gear shift knob. They also repaired the hole in the snake's stomach and underside. The snake has been recuperating at the center since the operation and is expected to fully recover by spring, when it will be released back into the wild.

I reached out to the Second Chance Wildlife Center for more details. The center, located near Washington, D.C., has been functioning since 1995. It is dedicated to providing emergency treatment and rehabilitative care to injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife, with the aim of releasing them back into nature.

The Second Chance Wildlife Center treats around 3,000 wild animals annually, including species like bald eagles, possums, ducks, rabbits, turtles, and snakes. They also focus on educating the public about coexisting safely with wildlife.

Rat snakes, as described by the National Wildlife Foundation, are large, non-venomous snakes, typically between 3.5 to 7 feet long, known for their swimming and climbing abilities. They have a varied diet and are common on the east coast of the United States.

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Disclaimer: This article is only for informational & educational purposes.