When you return home from a relaxing vacation, an unusual “friend” comes to visit you. Following a brief absence from her Tucson residence, Michelle Lespron returned home simply wanting to bask in the familiar comforts of her bathroom. Yet, what awaited her as she raised the toilet lid was far from the ordinary.
In an astonishing encounter, she found herself face-to-face with a coiled serpent. An unexpected and chilling sight that triggered her swift reflex to slam the lid shut. This instinctive reaction may have been a fortuitous move that potentially spared her from a snakebite.
Recalling the harrowing incident, Lespron shared, “I had been away for four days and was looking forward to using my bathroom in peace. But it was curled up inside when I lifted the lid.”
The shocking encounter left her profoundly rattled, her disbelief mingling with a surge of fear that demanded immediate action. In response, she promptly sought the expertise of professionals, a move driven by a potent cocktail of shock, urgency, and the instinct to ensure her safety.
The Snake Removal
Upon discovering the snake, Lespron contacted Rattlesnake Solutions, a Phoenix-based company specializing in snake removal. The initial attempts to extract the snake proved unsuccessful. It took the handler, whom Lespron called her “hero,” three visits over two days to capture the unwelcome guest finally.
The dramatic removal process was captured on video and later shared on Facebook by Rattlesnake Solutions. The footage showed the handler wrestling with the snake, eventually securing it with one hand while filming the encounter with the other.
“It took three visits over two days to finally get hands on it,” Rattlesnake Solutions posted on their Facebook page.
The snake was identified as a black and pink Coachwhip, a species native to the United States. While the Coachwhip snake is non-venomous, it is known for its defensive behavior and tendency to become aggressive when threatened.
“A Coachwhip is a fast, intelligent snake: It eats rattlesnakes, it climbs trees, it climbs houses, it does what it wants.” said Bryan Hughes, the owner of Rattlesnake Solutions.
Public Reaction and Misconceptions
The emergence of Lespron’s encounter with a toilet snake has elicited a significant and diverse range of reactions. Resonating within her immediate circles of friends and family and reverberating through the wider community.
These reactions encompass a spectrum of emotions. Notably expressions of alarm and astonishment, with some individuals even suggesting, in a somewhat tongue-in-cheek manner. That a drastic solution such as “burning her house to the ground” should be considered.
Of particular interest is the emergence of skepticism surrounding the incident’s authenticity, with certain quarters raising the possibility of a carefully crafted hoax. Intriguingly, even Lespron’s law partner contributed to this sentiment with a lighthearted comment, quipping, “Ha ha. Nice gag.”
However, this skepticism was promptly dispelled by the introduction of concrete video evidence provided by Rattlesnake Solutions. Conclusively verifying the integrity of the incident. This unfolding scenario underscores the dynamic interplay between technology, social media, and individual perceptions. Demonstrating the capacity of a seemingly mundane event to prompt widespread scrutiny and discussion within both personal and professional spheres.
Living with the Memory
The snake encounter has had a lasting impact on Lespron’s life. For weeks after the incident, she avoided using her bathroom, opting for the guest bathroom instead. She now takes several precautions, such as always turning on the light before entering the bathroom, keeping the toilet lid closed, and flushing the toilet before use.
While the likelihood of finding a snake in your toilet is extremely rare, you can take a few steps to prevent such an occurrence. Rattlesnake Solutions recommends regularly checking your septic systems and ensuring any vent caps on your home’s plumbing system are covered with screens to keep wildlife out.
It’s also advisable to keep the toilet lid closed when not in use, as this can deter any snakes that may have sneaked into your home from finding an excellent hiding spot in the toilet bowl.
“It’s such a rare event that it’s not something most people should ever be concerned with,” said Hughes.
Despite the ordeal, Lespron has managed to maintain a sense of humor about the incident. She continues to live in her home and has become a local celebrity due to her unusual encounter. However, one thing is sure: she’ll never look at her toilet the same way again.
