What began as an ordinary morning took a terrifying turn when you lifted the toilet lid and saw slow, dark movement in the water—scales glinting back at you. In that instant, you realized you weren’t staring at a misplaced object, but a snake curled in your toilet bowl.

While it’s extremely rare for snakes to enter toilets, it can happen. The Environmental Literacy Council explains that snakes can travel through sewer-pipes or roof-vent stacks, drawn by moisture, shelter or prey. Because your plumbing offers a moist, concealed route, a determined snake might wriggle up through the system and emerge in your bathroom.

If this ever happens—or you want to prevent it—safety and prevention should be your priorities. Close the lid and keep the bathroom door shut. Then call a qualified wildlife removal or pest-control service rather than trying to handle the snake yourself. To reduce the risk of future incidents, inspect and seal cracks in your home’s foundation and plumbing, clear vegetation near entry points, and consider installing a one-way valve or mesh over vent openings.