A boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) was found inside a truck bed at a gas station in Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, on the evening of Thursday, October 12. The incident was reported by the driver, who noticed the snake while stopping to refuel. According to the environmental rescue group, GEMA, the driver mentioned that his last stop was in the Serra das Araras, indicating that’s most likely where the snake entered the vehicle. The discovery was only made public on Sunday, October 15.

The GEMA team was alerted around 6 PM and rushed to assist in the recovery of the snake, which measured between one and one and a half meters long. Initially, the boa appeared to be uninjured, but upon further inspection at the Wildlife Animal Screening Center in São Paulo the following day, veterinarians found an injury on its tail. The snake is currently recovering at the facility.

This incident raises awareness about the potential risks and responsibilities of encountering wildlife in urban settings. While boa constrictors are not venomous and typically do not pose a threat to humans, encounters like this remind the public of the importance of understanding and addressing wildlife encounters safely and responsibly. This case serves as a notable example of the interactions between nature and urban life in Brazil.