Columbia Residents Shocked by Uninvited Python
In Columbia, South Carolina, a woman was startled early Tuesday morning when she discovered a large snake behind her toilet. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. at Rice Terrace Apartments, as reported by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
Who Was Involved?
The woman, whose identity has not been released, found the snake, later identified as a ball python, while going about her morning routine. Unlike many residents, the snake was not a pet of hers but rather an unexpected visitor.
What Happened?
Upon seeing the snake, the woman screamed and immediately called for help. Recognizing the unusual situation, she initially reached out to a friend before both contacted the law enforcement authorities. Master Deputy Shannon Huffman responded quickly to the scene, bringing with her experience in handling animals.
Where Did This Occur?
The encounter took place in a bathroom at the Rice Terrace Apartments and Townhomes, located at 107 Rice Terrace Drive in the Columbia area. This residential complex is situated between Hardscrabble Road and Longtown Road, near Ridge View High School.
When Did The Incident Take Place?
The discovery was made just after 5 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2024. The early hour contributed to the shock experienced by the startled resident.
Why Was The Snake There?
Authorities have not determined how the python ended up in the apartment. Given the snake’s size, it is suspected that it might belong to someone in the complex who lost their pet. However, so far, no one has come forward to claim the reptile, leaving its origins a mystery.
Outcome of the Incident
When deputies arrived, they skillfully extracted the snake from the bathroom, placing it in a pillowcase for safe transportation. Fortunately, neither the woman nor the snake suffered any injuries. The only reported damage was a flood in the bathroom, though the details regarding how the flood occurred remain unclear.
Response from the Sheriff’s Department
Master Deputy Alexandra Salrin expressed relief at the handling of the situation, stating, “We were able to provide a solution to the resident quickly and save the snake’s life!” She noted that while calls involving animals are common, dealing with exotic species like snakes is rare.
Deputy Huffman, a member of the Community Action Team with nearly four years of service, handled the situation adeptly, drawing on her experience with various animals. This unique incident was shared on social media, which highlighted the deputies’ training and readiness to confront unexpected challenges.
Conclusion
As the sheriff’s department briefs continue, they intend to follow up on the unopened mystery of the snake’s origin. The ball python has not been left to wander freely; it has been taken home by one of the Operations deputies for safe keeping. Columbia residents are now left wondering about their unusual bathroom guest as they reflect on a surprising start to the day.
For now, the community breathes a sigh of relief knowing both the woman and the snake were unharmed after this unexpected turn of events.
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
