Sighting of the Quarter: Luangwa River Lodge, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

1/1/2010

Luangwa River Lodge guides James and Tracy were on an evening game drive with guests when they happened across a python moving through the grass. When they stopped to watch the reptile, she decided to move under the vehicle. After several minutes of waiting for her to emerge on the other side, the group became a bit restless. When it was finally determined that she was not coming out James bravely left the vehicle to try and locate the python. After searching in vain he finally opened the hood of the vehicle to see if she had moved up rather than along.

To everyone's surprise he found a very happy python wrapped around the engine with no intention of leaving the warm secluded spot. Faced with no other option James, Tracy and the spotter forcibly removed her. After successfully disentangling the snake from the engine they let her go on the side of the road.

As she attempted to get back on board they sped off - cognizant of the lodge's strict policy of no hitchhikers!