Unwelcome Guest in the Bathroom: The Tale of a Ball Python in a Hotel Toilet

As a nuisance wildlife removal specialist, I’ve encountered my fair share of unusual situations. From raccoons in attics to alligators lounging in backyards, no two calls are the same. But when I received a call about a ball python found in a hotel toilet, even I knew this would be a unique experience.

The call came early one morning from a distressed hotel manager. A guest had gone to use the restroom and was startled to find a snake curled up in the toilet bowl. Understandably shaken, they quickly alerted the front desk, and the hotel staff wasted no time contacting a professional—me.

When I arrived, the staff led me to the bathroom in question, where the guest had wisely closed the toilet lid and left the snake undisturbed. Upon lifting the lid, I was greeted by the unmistakable sight of a ball python. Unlike venomous snakes or more aggressive species, ball pythons are nonvenomous and generally docile. However, that doesn’t mean they’re any less intimidating to someone unfamiliar with snakes.

Identifying the Situation

The first step was assessing how the snake ended up in the toilet. Ball pythons are not native to Florida, so it was clear this snake was an escaped or abandoned pet. Exotic pets like ball pythons occasionally escape from their enclosures and can end up in surprising places. In this case, it likely found its way into the hotel’s plumbing system, perhaps seeking water or warmth.

Snakes in plumbing systems are more common than most people realize. Open toilet pipes, cracks, or unsealed access points can serve as entryways for small wildlife, especially in areas like Florida, where snakes thrive year-round.

Safe Removal

Handling any snake requires caution and respect, regardless of its temperament. I used a snake hook to gently coax the python out of the toilet. It was roughly four feet long, a healthy size for a ball python. The snake didn’t appear aggressive, but it was understandably stressed. Once removed, I secured it in a ventilated containment bag for transport.

Aftermath and Prevention

With the snake safely removed, I inspected the hotel’s plumbing and bathroom for potential entry points. Open vents or gaps in pipes can allow snakes and other small animals to find their way inside. I advised the hotel staff on sealing these openings and implementing routine inspections to prevent future incidents.

The python was taken to a licensed reptile rescue facility, where it would be cared for and potentially rehomed. Exotic pets like ball pythons require proper care and secure enclosures, and incidents like this highlight the importance of responsible pet ownership.

A Reminder of Florida’s Wildlife Diversity

This call served as a reminder of Florida’s unique relationship with wildlife, both native and exotic. As a wildlife professional, my goal is to safely and humanely resolve such situations while educating the public about the importance of coexistence with the animals around us.

Whether it’s a raccoon in the attic or a ball python in the toilet, no wildlife encounter is too unusual for a trained professional. If you find yourself face-to-face with an unexpected guest, don’t hesitate to call a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper. We’re here to help—no matter how unusual the case may be.