Columbia Woman Encounters Snake in Bathroom
Columbia, South Carolina – In a surprising incident early Tuesday morning, a resident at Rice Terrace Apartments and Townhomes found herself face-to-face with an unexpected guest in her bathroom: a large, exotic snake.
What Happened?
At approximately 5 a.m., the woman stepped into her apartment’s bathroom only to discover a ball python lurking behind the toilet. This shocking encounter prompted an immediate scream and a frantic call for help. According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the snake did not belong to the woman, and there had been no indication that it was a plumbing tool.
Who Responded?
After calling a friend, the woman sought assistance from law enforcement. Master Deputy Shannon Huffman, a member of the department’s Community Action Team, quickly arrived at the scene. With nearly four years of experience, Deputy Huffman was well-prepared to handle the unique situation. The sheriff’s department emphasized that “we knew exactly what to do,” as they frequently respond to animal-related issues but exotic animals such as snakes are quite rare.
Where Did This Occur?
This unusual occurrence took place in an apartment located at 107 Rice Terrace Drive, in a neighborhood of Columbia that lies between Hardscrabble Road and Longtown Road, near Ridge View High School.
What is the Outcome?
Thanks to the swift actions of law enforcement, the python was safely removed from the apartment. The deputies placed it in a pillowcase for transport. Master Deputy Alexandra Salrin for the sheriff’s department expressed relief, stating, “We were able to provide a solution to the resident quickly and save the snake’s life.” Thankfully, neither the woman nor the snake suffered any injuries. Reports indicated that the only damage was to the bathroom, which ended up experiencing flooding as a result of the reptile’s presence, although details on how the flood occurred remain unclear.
What Happened to the Snake?
As for the snake’s origin, there is speculation that it might have escaped from a nearby apartment. However, without anyone coming forward to claim it, the exact circumstances remain unknown. Salrin noted the possibility that the ball python is someone’s pet but emphasized that it has not been confirmed. In a positive twist, one of the sheriff’s department’s Operations deputies has taken the snake home for safekeeping after the incident.
Why is This Incident Important?
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability that can sometimes arise in everyday life. The sheriff’s department reassured the community that they are prepared to handle unexpected encounters. Salrin explained, “We prepare our deputies to expect to be called to incidents that they never expected to be dealing with, and our deputies are trained to assess the situation and determine if there is another agency or specialized unit that needs to assist.”
Conclusion
The experience has left the apartment resident with frayed nerves but unharmed and has sparked community interest regarding the safety and management of exotic pets. As investigations into the origins of the snake continue, the sheriff’s department remains committed to ensuring both public safety and the well-being of animals.
