STAFFORD COUNTY, VA — In an unexpected twist at a local Goodwill store, a four-foot-long snake, humorously referred to as a “basilisk” in a nod to Harry Potter lore, was discovered among a box of donated books. The incident occurred at the Goodwill on 72 Doc Stone Road.
Captain J.A. Bice of the Stafford County Animal Control was quick to respond to the scene, showcasing skills that could rival a Quidditch Seeker. Employing a mix of expertise and humor — jokingly including “a bit of Parseltongue” — Captain Bice safely captured and relocated the snake back to its natural habitat.
The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office reported that the snake was unharmed during the incident, as were the Goodwill employees and responding deputies. This lighthearted encounter highlights the unexpected challenges local law enforcement and animal control officers face, especially as rising temperatures encourage all kinds of local wildlife to explore new environments.