Way back when, a buddy of mine had caught a garter snake, and wanted to give it to me. Natural enough, we're both enthusiasts. I was not available when he stopped by, so he put it in a drink cup, and put the cup in my car. He said he'd left a note but it missed me.

Snake got out. Snake got up into the vents.

Later that evening, I'm driving home, in full crush, Chicago suburbs, weekday afternoon traffic. Snake pops up out of the vent right by my right hand and says "Hi!".

It was somewhat disturbing. I like snakes, mind you. This is not the context in which i was expecting to meet one.

i had his neck quick and had to deal with upset snake coiling on (and stinking up) my arm, but he didn't get a chance to bite. I got pulled over to where I could let him out safely. Then had to sit there and watch the traffic go by for a while while a regained my equilibrium and tried to wipe snake crap off my jacket.

Next time I saw my buddy, he asked "Did you get the snake?". Much joy was had then, and since, from the story.