a) Put it in an escape-proof, animal-safety-approved carrying container in the backseat of your car and drive it to its destination;

b) Put it in an escape-proof, animal-safety-approved carrying container, buy an airline ticket, and fly it to its destination;

c) Stuff it in a package and take it to the post office, where you pay the postage ("Would that be reptile rate?") then leave it on the counter, high-tail it for home, and hope everything works out OK.

Apparently, a herpetologically challenged woman in the western German town of Kommern thought "C" was the best answer. But despite her ingenious effort, her prey -- er, present -- failed to reach its destination.

Post office workers noticed the package was wriggling, so they opened it. Out slithered the massive Albino Burmese Python -- and away ran the shocked civil servants, headed for the exits.

Eventually, a keeper from the local zoo was called in to catch the snake. Police are now searching for the sender, who is likely to be charged with breaking animal protection laws.

No word yet on whether mailing potentially deadly reptiles breaks any postal laws.