Snake traps rescue services in Kouvola, Finland, as resident celebrates unusual birthday gift

In Kouvola, Finland, a snake has found itself in a tricky spot, making it impossible for rescue services to retrieve it. Resident Arto Laakso discovered the snake next to the foundation of his house after his wife had been mowing the lawn. The snake, startled by movement, slithered around the foundation before it entered a thick air conditioning duct through a small opening.

At first, rescuers were skeptical about the snake’s presence, as they had not seen it for a couple of hours. However, a camera ultimately confirmed its location. Laakso remarked on the doubts expressed by the rescuers, humorously assuring them he wasn’t losing his grip on reality. The snake is believed to be a harmless grass snake, which likely sought warmth as the temperature had dropped to around nine degrees Celsius overnight.

Laakso attempted to coax the snake out himself, but called for assistance around noon on Wednesday. The air conditioning duct in question measures approximately four meters in length and is 20 centimeters wide. Since the snake could not be freed, the basement end of the duct has been sealed off to prevent the snake from entering the house, leaving only the exit open.

Rescue services advised Laakso to minimize noise near the duct, hoping the snake would find its way out toward the warmth outside. Laakso noted that the snake had been seen peeking out of the duct. Interestingly, this incident coincided with Laakso’s 76th birthday, turning it into an unusual birthday gift, as he now finds himself on snake-watching duty.

Rescue operations will resume on Thursday, when rescuers plan to check if the snake has exited the duct.