5-foot boa constrictor found in rental car at California airport

June 29 (UPI) -- Authorities in California said a 5-foot boa constrictor was found in a rental car being returned to an airport -- and it didn't belong to the customers.

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office said the customers, who had been using the car for about two weeks, returned the vehicle to the rental office at Oakland International Airport about 3 p.m. Wednesday when the big snake was discovered.

The customers had "no idea where the snake comes from, or how long it's been there," Sgt. Ray Kelly told SFGate.com.

The rental facility contacted the sheriff's office and a deputy with some snake experience was able to wrangle the serpent and identify it as a boa constrictor.

Kelly said the customers, who remained on the scene as the deputy captured the snake, were "pretty cool" about the situation.

"I would imagine the majority of people would freak out about it," Kelly said. "I credit these folks for being so calm about it."

The snake was taken to animal services and the sheriff's office is trying to find its owner.

"If you left your snake in a rental car at the Oakland Airport please give us a call," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post. "Your snake is safe but likely misses you."