The Brief
A snake emerged from a Missouri mom’s car hood while she drove her son to baseball practice.
She got help from teachers and a superintendent to safely remove it.
Officials say snakes may hide in car engines for warmth.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation said a coachwhip popped out of the hood of a woman’s car as she was driving.

The backstory:
LeAnna Binkley of Eugene posted the story about her ordeal on the agency’s Facebook page.

Binkley said she was driving her son, Grady, to baseball practice when the snake appeared.

The mother and son tried to chase the snake out of the car, but it didn’t work.

Binkley, who is a teacher, drove to the school and got help from other teachers and the superintendent to remove the snake.

What they’re saying:
“It took some intense efforts, but the group was able to safely remove the snake, and it wasn’t harmed,” Binkley posted.

Dig deeper:
The MDC said snakes are attracted to the warmth of the engine, particularly after a drive, and like dark, enclosed spaces.

What you can do:
MDC advises drivers to check under the hood of their vehicles if they have parked outside.