The tranquility of a bedtime routine was shattered for an Oklahoma woman when she received a shocking surprise – a snake bite while fluffing her pillow. Donna Bratschun, the unsuspecting victim, recounted the chilling encounter to local news station KOKI. As she prepared for sleep one December night, she froze in terror upon discovering a snake nestled beneath her pillow. Before she could react, the serpent struck, leaving its mark.
A Bedroom Intruder: Snake Seeks Warmth Under Pillow
“It’s one thing for it to get into your house; it’s another thing for it to find your bed, climb your bed, and cuddle under your pillow,” Bratschun shared with KOKI, expressing her disbelief and shock. The incident raises concerns about home security and the unexpected ways wildlife can intrude upon our lives. While snakes entering homes isn’t unheard of, finding one in bed is a truly frightening experience.
The initial bite left Bratschun understandably worried. Although the skin wasn’t broken, the teeth marks were evident and the area tender. The immediate concern was identifying the type of snake and determining if it was venomous. Uncertainty about the snake’s species amplified the anxiety of the situation.
Identifying the Culprit: A Non-Venomous Bull Snake
Bratschun’s husband came to the rescue, carefully removing the snake from the bedroom using gloves and a container. He identified it as a bull snake, a common non-venomous species in their area of Oklahoma. This identification brought a significant wave of relief. While a snake bite is always unsettling, knowing it wasn’t venomous eased the immediate fear.
Wildlife specialist Kayla Jobe confirmed the husband’s assessment in an interview with KOKI. Bull snakes, she explained, are not only harmless to humans but can even be beneficial. They prey on rodents, helping control populations around homes. This perspective highlights the ecological role snakes play and encourages a more nuanced view of these often-feared creatures.
Seeking Warmth: Snakes and Cold Weather Behavior
Jobe further clarified that bull snakes, capable of squeezing through remarkably small spaces, often seek shelter indoors during colder months. “They want to be warm, and snakes specifically can’t regulate their own body temperature, so they seek warmth typically in burrows, but sometimes occasionally, we’ll see them in people’s houses,” she stated. This explains why the snake might have sought refuge in Bratschun’s home and ultimately, her bed. The warmth of the house and the pillow likely provided an attractive haven from the dropping temperatures.
From Oklahoma to South Africa: Snakes in Unexpected Places
The Oklahoma incident isn’t isolated. Just a week prior, a man in Stellenbosch, South Africa, encountered a highly venomous cape cobra under his pillow. Unlike the bull snake, this discovery presented a life-threatening situation. The stark contrast between the two incidents emphasizes the importance of snake identification and understanding the potential dangers.
The South African man wisely contacted Stellenbosch Snake Removals, a professional service equipped to handle venomous snakes. Expert snake catcher Emile Rossouw safely removed the cobra, averting a potential tragedy. This highlights the importance of seeking professional assistance when dealing with potentially dangerous wildlife.
Preventing Snake Encounters: Tips for Homeowners
Bratschun speculated that the bull snake might have entered her home by hitching a ride on plants brought inside before Thanksgiving. This theory underscores the need for vigilance when bringing outdoor items indoors, particularly during colder months when snakes seek shelter. Careful inspection of plants, firewood, and other outdoor items can help prevent unwanted encounters.
Sealing cracks and crevices in the home’s foundation and around doors and windows is crucial in preventing snake entry. Maintaining a tidy yard, free of debris and overgrown vegetation, also reduces potential hiding places for snakes. These preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of snakes entering homes and creating potentially dangerous situations. While encountering a snake in one’s bed is a rare and extreme example, it serves as a reminder to be aware of our surroundings and take steps to coexist peacefully with wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snake Encounters
Q: What should I do if I find a snake in my home?
A: Remain calm and try to identify the snake from a safe distance. If possible, take a picture. Contact a professional wildlife removal service or your local animal control for assistance. Never attempt to handle a snake yourself, especially if you are unsure of its species.
Q: Are all snakes dangerous?
A: No, many snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. However, it is crucial to treat all snakes with caution and avoid handling them unless you are a trained professional.
Q: How can I prevent snakes from entering my home?
A: Seal any cracks or holes in your home’s foundation, walls, and around doors and windows. Keep your yard tidy and free of debris. Be cautious when bringing outdoor items inside.
Q: What should I do if I am bitten by a snake?
A: Seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe the snake is non-venomous. Try to remember the snake’s appearance to aid in identification and treatment. Remain calm and avoid strenuous activity to slow the spread of venom if the snake is venomous.
