This 12-foot python really didn't want to leave a warm car engine

A 12-foot long python found itself the subject of a tug of war when it tried to hide inside a car engine.

The python slid up through the front wheel chassis and coiled around the engine of the black Toyota as it tried to escape rain and cooler winter temperatures in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

But after it was spotted slithering into its hiding place, rescuers were called and had to literally wrestle with the snake to get it out.

It took two men to win the unusual tug of war as they tried to drag the serpent out.

And even after being yanked free, it darted back under the car before animal handlers pinned it down and put it in a bag ready to be released into nearby jungle.

MORE: Britain’s fattest squirrels go nuts and attack children for food
MORE: This greedy labrador puppy had a lucky escape after swallowing a TEASPOON

Onlooker Noppakaew Sakda‎, who recorded the drama, said: ”The snake found a safe place and he wanted to stay their. It was quite cold recently.”

”Somebody saw the snake go inside and told the driver not to start the engine.”

He added: ”Pythons are very strong creatures. It wrapped itself around some of the parts inside the car and two rescuers had to pull him out.

”They were pulling very strongly. He wanted to stay inside the warm car engine.”