• A Derry woman found a 5-foot python in her bathroom; police safely removed it and located the owner.
• Experts believe the snake may have traveled through plumbing to reach the apartment.
• The incident raised safety concerns among residents and sparked calls for stricter exotic pet regulations.

When a woman in Derry, New Hampshire opened her bathroom door Monday morning, the last thing she expected was to come face-to-face with a five-foot python curled up on the floor. The bizarre encounter took place inside an apartment at 83 East Broadway. It quickly turned into a spectacle that rattled both residents and responding officers alike.

A Shocking Discovery That Turned a Normal Morning Upside Down

The woman, whose identity has not been released, immediately called the police after spotting the snake. Within minutes, officers arrived and cautiously stepped into the bathroom. There, resting beside the toilet, was the large reptile, unbothered by the growing number of nervous onlookers.

Officers managed to safely place the python into a tote container. They began knocking on nearby doors, hoping to track down its rightful owner. While the snake appeared calm and non-aggressive, the shock of the situation wasn’t lost on the officers.

“Let’s just say this wasn’t something we trained for at the academy,” one officer joked afterward. Another admitted to being “very uneasy” around snakes. He had hoped never to come this close to one outside a zoo.

Building Residents React with Fear and Confusion

For tenants of the East Broadway apartment complex, the surprise visit from an unexpected reptile houseguest stirred a mix of fear, confusion, and curiosity.

Chuck Van Coppenolle, who lives in the same building, was stunned to learn the snake had been discovered upstairs. “I don’t even like the little ones,” he said. “A five-foot snake in a bathroom? That’s nightmare stuff. I’m just glad it wasn’t crawling around down here.”

Several residents speculated whether the snake might have been living in the walls or if it had escaped from a nearby unit. Others simply stood outside, watching animal control officers remove the python in disbelief.

“I’ve got a dog and a cat,” said one woman. “I’m double-checking every room before I walk in now.”

Snake Taken in by Local Humane Society

Once safely secured, the python was turned over to animal control. It was then transported to a nearby humane society that specializes in exotic animals. According to the Derry Police Department, the snake was in good health and “clearly someone’s pet.” It displayed no signs of aggression and was described as “docile” by authorities.

Still, officials remained baffled by how the animal ended up in someone else’s apartment — especially one where no reptiles were being kept. Police confirmed that it was eventually reunited with its owner. They declined to reveal the individual’s name or the circumstances behind the snake’s disappearance.

Could It Have Come Through the Plumbing?

The mystery of the python’s unexpected appearance only deepened when Kevin McCurley, a well-known reptile expert and owner of New England Reptile Distributors in Plaistow, offered a chilling possibility.

“Snakes like this are all spine and muscle,” McCurley explained. “They can squeeze into incredibly tight spaces. If the bathroom was humid or the pipes were accessible, it’s very possible the snake traveled through the plumbing system.”

McCurley noted that ball pythons, the species in question, are capable of holding their breath for short periods. They can navigate through narrow channels like drainpipes or toilet plumbing.

“That kind of movement isn’t common, but it’s not impossible,” he said.

Community Concerns Grow: Could It Happen Again?

The unsettling idea that a large snake might slither up from the plumbing has left many locals rattled — and questioning their safety in their own homes. In a town where the most exotic creature most residents encounter is a stray raccoon or the occasional skunk, the appearance of a five-foot python was more than just a curious anomaly.

Calls began pouring into local animal control and housing authorities, with worried residents asking if this incident could happen again. Some questioned whether local laws on keeping exotic pets are too lax.

“There should be better regulations,” said another tenant. “If you’re going to own something that can slip out and terrify your neighbors, there needs to be rules. What if that snake had ended up in a kid’s crib?”

Local officials said they are reviewing the situation and are considering reminding pet owners to properly secure exotic animals.

Not an Isolated Incident

While this case certainly caused a stir in Derry, it’s not the first time a snake has made a surprise appearance in an unsuspecting home. In recent years, stories have surfaced from around the country of snakes emerging from toilets, laundry machines, and kitchen cabinets. These episodes often occur after a snake escapes from a nearby owner’s enclosure.

Ball pythons, in particular, are popular as pets due to their calm demeanor and manageable size. But like all reptiles, they are escape artists. Without secure housing, even a well-behaved pet can go missing — and show up in the most unexpected places.