Richland County Woman Encounters Unexpected Python in Bathroom

Richland County Woman Surprised by Snake in Bathroom

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — A woman in Richland County had an unexpected wake-up call when she discovered a large ball python in her bathroom on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at the Rice Terrace Apartments around 5 a.m., leading the startled resident to contact local authorities immediately.

Quick Response from Law Enforcement

Richland County deputies, including Master Deputy Shannon Huffman, responded to the unusual situation. Huffman described the moment: “It was definitely different from emu wrangler to snake wrangler, but here I am; it’s a different day, different job criteria.” Acknowledging that many people, including law enforcement officers, have a fear of snakes, Huffman felt compelled to step in. “A lot of people don’t like snakes or they are not really sure how to handle something like that,” she stated.

Identification and Capture of the Snake

According to Huffman, the python likely exited from a hole in the wall or from beneath the toilet and is believed to have belonged to a nearby resident who may have lost track of their pet. This type of snake is not native to South Carolina. Thanks to her knowledge of snakes, Huffman was able to safely identify the creature as non-venomous. “I reached down and picked it up, I opened up the pillowcase, and I put it in there, tied it up. It was completely harmless,” she explained.

New Life for the Python

The captured snake is now under the care of another deputy in the area, who decided to keep it as a pet. In South Carolina, it is legal to own pet snakes, but there are regulations in place regarding non-native wildlife. The state has laws that prohibit the release of non-native species, allowing the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to manage and restrict certain animals that could potentially disrupt local ecosystems or pose risks to agriculture and public safety.

Preventative Measures for Homeowners

Following this incident, officials have provided advice on how to prevent snakes from entering homes. It is essential for homeowners to inspect their properties for any openings that could serve as entry points. “Any holes that you have in your walls or piping, make sure that they are stuffed with putty or they have some sort of sealant around it or cuff around it to prevent any from going out, but of course, anything that may come in,” Huffman advised. She added, “Especially if you are the person that is keeping additional snakes, try to keep those out.”

Conclusion

Although this incident left one woman stunned, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant when it comes to home maintenance and understanding wildlife in the area. While having a snake in the house is rare, knowing how to react can make all the difference in similar situations.