Naturalist Rescued Ribbon Snake From Beer Pack
A nonvenomous ribbon snake was discovered inside a store-bought six-pack, prompting a safe relocation.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Reptiles
On October 8, 2026, naturalist Andrew Austin safely removed a nonvenomous ribbon snake found inside a Coors Light six-pack at a Texas store. Austin manually extracted the reptile and relocated it away from the aisle.
Why it matters
Wildlife encounters in retail settings remain an occasional surprise for shoppers as regional snake activity fluctuates. Understanding how to handle these situations safely helps maintain a calm environment for both customers and local animals.
Data indicates a 50% surge in snake-related service calls across the Mid-South. While the cause of the snake entering the six-pack is unknown, the nonvenomous ribbon snake was successfully relocated.
The players
Andrew Austin
A professional naturalist who specializes in wildlife identification and safe animal relocation.
The details
Naturalist Andrew Austin identified the snake as a nonvenomous ribbon snake before manually removing it from the tight confines of the beverage packaging. He then carried the six-pack outside the store to release the animal in a safer environment away from high-traffic shopping areas.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The event was documented in reporting.
The Home Front
This rescue reflects the broader trend of a 50% surge in snake-related calls across the Mid-South. Such incidents emphasize the increasing overlap between local wildlife habitats and commercial public spaces.
If you encounter a snake in a public space, maintain a safe distance rather than attempting a manual removal. Contact local animal control or a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation safely.
The takeaway
While most regional snake encounters involve nonvenomous species, prioritizing professional removal is the safest course of action. Keep the contact information for your local animal control or wildlife relocation agency saved in your phone for quick reference during unexpected encounters.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife habits in the Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
