Introduction: An Unexpected Encounter at Home
Most of us think of our bathrooms as safe, private, and uneventful spaces. But for Mike Green, a homeowner in Lattermore, North Carolina, that assumption was shattered when he made a startling discovery: a snake had slithered its way into his toilet. What began as an ordinary day quickly turned into an unforgettable tug-of-war between man and reptile.
According to Green, snakes in his neighborhood had been appearing in bathrooms for years, entering through the ventilation pipes connected to roofs. “He came out of a tree that was hanging over the pipe,” Green explained when speaking to Inside Edition. Astonishingly, this was the sixth snake to appear in his toilet within just four years.
While this story may sound like something out of a horror movie, it reflects a larger reality: human communities and wildlife share the same spaces more closely than many people realize. And sometimes, those encounters happen in the most unexpected places.
This article will explore not only Green’s experience, but also the broader questions it raises. Why do snakes end up in toilets? What is it about North Carolina’s environment that makes such encounters possible? How should homeowners respond? And what can we learn from similar incidents across the globe?
Snakes and Their Habitats: Understanding the Basics
To make sense of why snakes sometimes end up in homes, it’s important to understand their natural behavior and habitats.
Snakes are highly adaptable creatures found on every continent except Antarctica. They thrive in diverse environments—forests, deserts, wetlands, grasslands, and urban areas. Most species prefer to stay hidden, avoiding humans whenever possible.
In North Carolina alone, there are around 37 species of snakes, only six of which are venomous. The most common non-venomous species include:
- Black rat snakes – excellent climbers that often live near wooded areas and farms.
- Corn snakes – colorful, harmless snakes frequently found in barns and fields.
- Water snakes – often mistaken for cottonmouths but generally non-venomous.
Snakes play a critical role in ecosystems by controlling rodent populations. Still, their presence in homes, especially bathrooms, can be unsettling for even the most nature-loving residents.
How Do Snakes End Up in Toilets?
The question many people have after hearing Green’s story is simple: How could a snake possibly end up in a toilet? The answer lies in plumbing and ventilation systems.
- Through Roof Vent Pipes
- Many toilets are connected to ventilation pipes that extend from bathrooms to rooftops. These pipes equalize pressure and allow gases to escape.
- In North Carolina, where trees often grow close to homes, snakes can slither from branches into roof vents. Once inside, gravity does the rest, guiding them toward toilet bowls.
- Through Sewer and Drain Systems
- In some cases, snakes may enter sewer lines from outside and travel through the pipes. Though less common, it has been documented in certain urban settings.
- Attracted by Prey
- Snakes are often drawn indoors in search of food. If rodents, frogs, or other small animals find their way into pipes or bathrooms, snakes may follow.
For Mike Green, the explanation was clear: overhanging branches provided an easy path for snakes to reach his home’s ventilation system.
The Community’s Reaction: Fear and Fascination
When Green’s story went public, it sparked a wave of curiosity and concern. For local residents, the idea that snakes could appear in such a personal space was both frightening and oddly fascinating.
Neighbors expressed mixed emotions:
- Some admitted they now checked their toilets before sitting down.
- Others were fascinated by the resilience of the snakes and their ability to adapt.
- A few even joked that the neighborhood should adopt “toilet checks” as part of daily routines.
Social media amplified the story, with reactions ranging from disbelief to empathy. While some saw humor in the bizarre scenario, others felt a genuine sense of unease, imagining themselves in Green’s position.
North Carolina’s Snake Landscape
North Carolina provides an ideal habitat for snakes due to its warm climate, diverse ecosystems, and abundant prey. From the coastal plains to the Appalachian Mountains, snakes have found ways to thrive alongside human communities.
The state is home to both venomous and non-venomous species. Venomous snakes include:
- Copperheads – the most common venomous snake in the state.
- Cottonmouths (water moccasins) – found in swampy areas.
- Timber rattlesnakes and eastern diamondbacks – present in forested or rural regions.
Encounters in homes usually involve non-venomous species, but distinguishing between them is not always easy. This can heighten fear, even when the snake is harmless.
Wildlife officials in North Carolina frequently remind residents that snakes are a vital part of the ecosystem. Still, they advise caution and recommend professional removal if a snake is found indoors.
Beyond North Carolina: Other Global Snake-in-Toilet Stories
Mike Green’s story may be remarkable, but it’s far from unique. Around the world, similar encounters have been reported, proving that the phenomenon is not limited to one state or country.
- Thailand: Residents in Bangkok often report large pythons surfacing in toilets due to the city’s dense sewer system. Firefighters are sometimes called to rescue snakes and terrified homeowners alike.
- Australia: Known for its diverse reptile population, Australia has had multiple cases of pythons and brown snakes appearing in bathrooms. Snake catchers regularly share photos of these unexpected visits.
- South Africa: Homeowners have reported cobras and other venomous snakes making their way into bathrooms, leading to dangerous situations.
- United States (Florida, Texas, Arizona): In warm southern states, reports of snakes entering homes through plumbing are not uncommon.
These global stories highlight a key reality: snakes are opportunistic survivors. When human structures overlap with their natural habitats, encounters are bound to happen.
Emotional Impact: Why Snakes Inspire Such Fear
Part of what makes Green’s story so compelling is the raw emotional response it evokes. For many people, snakes trigger an instinctive sense of fear.
Psychologists suggest that humans may have an evolutionary predisposition to fear snakes. Throughout history, snakes have been both predators and symbols of danger. This ingrained wariness can amplify panic when snakes appear unexpectedly in intimate spaces.
Common emotional responses include:
- Shock: The surprise of seeing a snake in a toilet is almost unimaginable.
- Disgust: Bathrooms are places of hygiene; the presence of a snake feels contaminating.
- Fear: Worries about venom or bites, even if the snake is harmless.
- Curiosity: For some, the encounter sparks interest in learning more about snakes.
Green himself admitted that the repeated incidents left him wary, though he also developed a certain resilience over time.
Practical Advice: What to Do if You Find a Snake in Your Toilet
While the odds of encountering a snake in your toilet remain relatively low, it’s helpful to know how to respond calmly and safely. Experts recommend the following steps:
- Stay Calm – Sudden movements may startle the snake.
- Do Not Flush – This could injure the snake or cause plumbing issues.
- Close the Lid – Contain the snake until help arrives.
- Call a Professional – Contact animal control or a licensed snake removal service.
- Avoid Handling – Even non-venomous snakes can bite in self-defense.
Preventing Snakes from Entering Homes
Prevention is key to reducing the likelihood of snake encounters. Homeowners can take several practical steps:
- Trim Trees and Shrubs – Prevent branches from hanging over roof vents.
- Install Mesh Screens – Cover vent pipes and drains with durable screens.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps – Snakes can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
- Reduce Attractants – Limit rodent populations around homes, as they draw snakes.
- Regular Inspections – Check plumbing and vents for signs of intrusion.
By addressing these areas, residents can make their homes less inviting to snakes while still respecting the role snakes play in local ecosystems.
The Cultural Symbolism of Snakes
Beyond biology and safety, snakes carry deep cultural symbolism. In many traditions, snakes are associated with transformation, healing, and renewal. In others, they symbolize danger or deception.
- Ancient Greece: The snake was linked to Asclepius, the god of medicine.
- Hinduism: Snakes, or “nagas,” are revered as powerful beings connected to fertility and protection.
- Christianity: Snakes often symbolize temptation or evil.
These symbolic layers contribute to the intensity of human reactions. When a snake shows up in a toilet, it’s not just an animal—it becomes a symbol of unpredictability, invasion, or hidden danger.
Human-Wildlife Coexistence: The Bigger Picture
Mike Green’s story illustrates a broader truth: as human development expands into natural habitats, encounters with wildlife are inevitable. Snakes, raccoons, coyotes, and other animals adapt to human environments, sometimes leading to conflict.
Experts stress the importance of coexistence. Rather than viewing snakes solely as threats, communities can benefit from understanding their ecological role. This requires education, awareness, and practical measures to minimize risks.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Scary Story
What happened to Mike Green in Lattermore, North Carolina, may sound like a nightmare, but it also offers valuable lessons. His repeated encounters with snakes in his toilet highlight the adaptability of wildlife, the importance of preventive measures, and the need for calm, informed responses.
While most people will never experience such a dramatic moment, Green’s story reminds us that we share our world—our neighborhoods, our homes, even our plumbing systems—with creatures we don’t always see.
Instead of viewing these encounters only through fear, we can approach them with curiosity and respect. After all, snakes are not out to frighten us—they are simply following their instincts, often in search of shelter or food.
In the end, Green’s tug-of-war with a toilet snake is more than just a bizarre anecdote. It’s a window into the complexities of human-wildlife coexistence in a rapidly changing world.