A large snake sparked alarm in the town of Lamia in central Greece after it was discovered inside a parked vehicle, prompting an emergency response from firefighters and a complex rescue attempt.
The incident occurred in the Nea Magnesia area on Tuesday, June 23, when the vehicle’s owner approached her car and found the reptile coiled around the accelerator pedal. Shocked by the discovery, she immediately alerted the fire service.
Firefighters called to remove trapped snake
Two firefighters arrived at the scene and began efforts to safely remove the snake from the vehicle. However, the reptile, apparently frightened, moved deeper into the car and became hidden inside the dashboard, making extraction more difficult.
After three unsuccessful attempts to remove it manually, firefighters tried using the car’s air conditioning system in an effort to force the snake out by changing the internal conditions.
Despite these efforts, the situation ended with the snake found dead inside the dashboard area, injured during the process.
The vehicle owner later took the car to an auto repair shop, where part of the dashboard was dismantled so the animal could be removed.
Seasonal snake sightings in Greece
Snake sightings are more common in Greece during the spring and summer months. According to general guidance, most snake species in the country are harmless to humans, with the exception of the viper.
Two additional species, commonly known locally as the “Sapitēs” and “Agiofido,” are also considered to have only mild venom and are not regarded as dangerous.
Authorities note that snakes play an important ecological role by controlling rodent populations and should be safely removed rather than harmed when found in residential areas.
Most snakebite incidents in Greece occur accidentally during warmer months, typically when a person steps on or touches a hidden snake. Experts emphasize that snakes do not attack unless they feel threatened.
