Texas Woman Finds Snake Emerging From Toilet in Middle of Night
**Texas Woman Finds Snake Emerging From Toilet in Middle of Night**
In a terrifying encounter that could come straight out of a nightmare, a Texas woman found herself face-to-face with an unwelcome guest in the middle of the night—a snake emerging from her toilet. The incident, which took place in a quiet suburban home near Abilene, has left the homeowner shaken and has served as a reminder of the sometimes-surprising wildlife encounters Texans face.
### The Late-Night Encounter
It was around 2 a.m. when Sara Matthews, a resident of Abilene, woke up and headed to the bathroom. Groggy and half-asleep, Matthews was jolted awake when she noticed movement in the toilet bowl. Upon turning on the light, she was horrified to see a snake’s head poking up from the water.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. At first, I thought I was imagining things because I was still half-asleep. But when I saw the snake moving, I screamed,” Matthews recalled. “It’s something you’d expect to see in a horror movie, not in your own bathroom.”
Startled, Matthews quickly closed the lid and ran out of the bathroom, calling for help. She immediately contacted local animal control, who arrived at her home shortly after.
### Removing the Reptile
Animal control officers, accustomed to handling everything from raccoons to rattlesnakes, safely removed the snake from the toilet. Fortunately for Matthews, the snake was identified as a non-venomous rat snake, common in many parts of Texas. Rat snakes are known for their climbing abilities and tendency to seek out small spaces, like plumbing systems, in search of food or water.
The officers explained that it’s not unheard of for snakes to enter homes through small openings or cracks, sometimes even using pipes as entry points. However, finding one in a toilet is relatively rare.
“Snakes can find their way into homes through various means, including gaps in plumbing or open sewer lines,” said an animal control officer who responded to the call. “While it’s not a common occurrence, it can happen, especially in rural areas or during extreme weather conditions when snakes are searching for water or cooler spaces.”
### A Growing Concern in Texas
Texas is home to a wide variety of snake species, both venomous and non-venomous, and encounters with snakes aren’t unusual, especially in rural and suburban areas. With summer heat driving wildlife to seek shelter, Texans have reported an increase in snake sightings inside homes, garages, and backyards.
While most snakes encountered in homes are harmless, the surprise of finding one in such an unexpected place can be deeply unsettling, as Sara Matthews’ experience shows.
“I’m still in shock,” Matthews said. “I’ve lived in Texas my whole life and have seen my fair share of snakes, but never anything like this. I’ll be checking the toilet every time from now on.”
### How to Prevent Snake Encounters in the Home
Experts advise homeowners to take precautions to minimize the chances of encountering snakes indoors. This includes sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation, installing mesh covers on vents, and ensuring that plumbing systems are well-maintained. Additionally, keeping yards clean and free of debris, like piles of wood or tall grass, can reduce the likelihood of attracting snakes.
If a snake is found in a home, it’s important not to panic or attempt to handle it without proper knowledge, as some species can be dangerous. Animal control or wildlife specialists should always be contacted to safely remove and relocate the snake.
### Conclusion
Sara Matthews’ late-night snake encounter serves as a startling reminder of the surprising ways wildlife can sometimes intrude into daily life. While her situation ended safely, it highlights the importance of staying vigilant and taking preventative measures to keep unwanted visitors—especially of the slithering variety—out of the home.
