This what a Mexican Northern Cat-eyed snake looks like in real life.
It was a shock of a lifetime.
An Ontario Food Terminal worker named Troy was sorting through produce as usual, when he was suddenly surprised by a slithering silhouette of orange and brown among some green tomatillos he had just unboxed, according to the Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC).
Was that… a snake? Troy wondered.
To be exact, it was a Northern cat-eyed snake which had hitched a ride all the way from Mexico, according to TWC staff. The fangs of these snakes are located at the back of the jaw and the bites are considered to be of low toxicity.
“Troy, concerned for the displaced and no doubt distressed reptile, immediately called our Wildlife Hotline for help,” Centre officials said. “The caring employee gently placed the snake into a box, and brought him safely to TWC.”
The Mexican Northern Cat-eyed snake was found in a box of tomatillos being unpacked by a worker.
The Veterinary Team confirmed the snake was in good health but a long way from home.
“Our team is currently working on a plan to return this accidental traveller back to his native environment,” according to the TWC.
“Until then, he’ll need continued care – including a temperature and humidity controlled enclosure, fresh substrate, heat lamps, protein-packed food and more – to keep him healthy until his journey home,” they said.
The TWC said it is not too late to give a donation to help provide the snake, and many more still being admitted, with all they need to keep them healthy this season.
The snake is a threat in Mexico and is known for its scary cat eyes.
Nearly 6,000 wild animals have already been admitted needing care this year, with more sick and injured patients – from injured snowy owls to sick foxes – arriving each day.
Working to save the lives of wild animals takes a lot of resources, and it couldn’t happen without the support of compassionate animal lovers.
They thank animal lovers for adding wildlife to their gift list this holiday season.
You can purchase a gift for a wild patient yourself. Visit their website at https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/giveagift/
The food terminal worker almost feinted after finding this snake in a box of tomatillos.
The centre said you can donate in honour of an animal-loving person in your life, and you will receive a personalized e-Card of your choice with a photo of a patient who was cared for at TWC.
The TWC is a charitable wildlife rescue organization providing medical treatment and rehabilitative care to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals found by members of the public.
Since opening in 1993, over 270 different species have been admitted for care. With help from our volunteers and donors, Toronto Wildlife Centre has grown into Canada’s largest and busiest wildlife centre, and a leader in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.