A routine police assignment in Gothenburg took an unexpected turn when officers encountered an unusual suspect trying to hitch a ride. What began as a standard vehicle seizure operation in the Brunnsbo area of Hisingen transformed into an impromptu reptile rescue mission that would test both officers' nerves and compassion.
Officers Mikael and Anders responded to a citizen's report about a colorful snake near a wall. The approximately one-meter-long corn snake lay motionless on the road. Neither officer had experience handling snakes, and they initially worried about potential venom. A local resident identified the snake as a harmless corn snake and confirmed this information with additional verification.
The rescue operation required quick thinking. Anders retrieved a crowbar and large paper bag for the capture. Before the officers could act, the helpful citizen gently placed the snake into the bag. Both officers expressed gratitude for this assistance.
For over two hours, the bagged snake rode in the back seat of the police vehicle while officers waited for a tow truck. Officer Mikael described feeling sympathy for the chilled reptile. They noticed the snake had become dormant from cold temperatures. In an act of kindness, they activated the seat warmer at maximum setting to help the animal regain warmth.
This marked Mikael's first snake rescue experience. He admitted feeling uncomfortable having a snake in the vehicle, even contained. As the warmth revived the snake, now nicknamed 'Majsan,' the paper bag began rustling and moving during their E6 highway journey.
The situation escalated when Mikael spotted the snake emerging through the bag's air hole. Traveling at 80 km/h in dense traffic provided limited options. Mikael urgently requested Anders to pull over, though his colleague initially thought he was joking.
They successfully found a stopping point and both officers exited the vehicle. They managed to secure the snake just before it completely escaped the bag. The corn snake rescue concluded successfully when officers transported the male snake to an experienced reptile volunteer.
The snake now resides with the volunteer and remains in good health, though it sustains minor tail damage receiving proper care. Police have no information about how 'Majsan' ended up outdoors. They don't know if the snake escaped or someone abandoned it. Officers hope to reunite the snake with its owner.
Mikael reflected on the emotional complexity of their unusual police work. He described confronting personal fears while finding humor in the situation. The experience blended apprehension with delight in what became a memorable case.
This incident highlights how Swedish police handle non-traditional emergencies beyond law enforcement. Sweden's approach to animal welfare often involves police intervention when no other services are available. The country's climate makes survival difficult for tropical pets like corn snakes when they escape or get abandoned.
International readers might find this story particularly interesting given Sweden's reputation for efficiency and order. The human response to an unexpected animal encounter reveals universal themes of compassion overcoming fear. The officers' decision to provide warmth and secure transportation demonstrates Sweden's strong animal protection values, even during routine police work.