Tragic Encounters: When Snakes Invade the Most Private Space

In a world where the bathroom is often considered a sanctuary of privacy and relief, unimaginable horrors can sometimes lurk in the shadows—or more precisely, in the plumbing. Recent stories from across the globe highlight the rare but terrifying phenomenon of snakes appearing in toilets, leading to bites, panic, and even fatalities. One such heartbreaking incident occurred in Nigeria, where a woman lost her life after a venomous snake struck while she was using the toilet. This event echoes similar surprises in places like North Carolina, USA, where homeowners have battled serpents in their bathrooms. These cases serve as stark reminders of the intersections between wildlife and human habitats, urging greater awareness and preventive measures.

The Fatal Bite in Nigeria

In November 2021, Lance Corporal Bercy Ogah, a member of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), met a tragic end at her residence on the NAF base along Bill Clinton Drive in Abuja. According to reports, Ogah was bitten by a venomous snake that had hidden in her toilet bowl. She had sat down without checking the bowl, a common oversight in the comfort of one’s home, only to feel a sharp pain from the bite on a sensitive area of her body.

An image depicting a snake found in a toilet, similar to the one involved in the Nigerian incident.

The snake, believed to be a black-necked spitting cobra—one of Nigeria’s native venomous species—was later removed by a professional snake handler, as captured in viral footage.

Ogah, who was reportedly caring for her child and a relative at the time, sought immediate medical attention at the NAF hospital. However, delays in administering anti-venom contributed to her deteriorating condition. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to the venom’s effects. Nigerian media outlets, including Punch Newspapers and Daily Trust, detailed the incident, noting that the base is prone to wildlife intrusions due to its location near natural habitats. Snakes often enter homes through septic tanks or plumbing vents, seeking water or prey like rodents.

This wasn’t an isolated event in Nigeria. The country faces a significant snakebite crisis, with Health Minister Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora stating in 2021 that up to 20,000 people are bitten annually, resulting in around 2,000 deaths and another 2,000 amputations. Rural and military areas, where infrastructure may intersect with bushlands, are particularly vulnerable. In another recent case, a pregnant woman in Kaduna reportedly died from a similar snakebite in her toilet, amplifying public fears.

A black-necked spitting cobra, the suspected species in the Nigerian snakebite case.

Videos of the snake removal from Ogah’s toilet have circulated widely on social media and YouTube, showing the handler carefully extracting the large reptile. For illustrative purposes, watch this related footage: Nigeria AirForce Personnel Bitten To Death By A Snake That Hid Inside Her Toilet. Another video discusses the broader issue: Why Snakes In Toilets Are Killing Nigerians.

A Tug-of-War in North Carolina

Across the Atlantic, in Lattimore, North Carolina, a different but equally startling encounter unfolded in 2017. Homeowner Mike Greene (sometimes reported as Green) discovered a snake in his elderly neighbor’s toilet after the 88-year-old man reported a clog. What started as a routine plumbing issue turned into a bare-handed battle when Greene realized the “clog” was a live, 6-foot-long rat snake coiled in the bowl.

Greene, no stranger to such intrusions—having dealt with five previous snakes in the same home over four years—grabbed the serpent by its tail and engaged in a tense tug-of-war. The non-venomous snake had likely entered through a ventilation pipe on the roof, possibly descending from overhanging trees. Video footage of the extraction, shared by Inside Edition, shows Greene pulling the wriggling creature out, much to the relief of his neighbor.

A man extracting a snake from a toilet, reminiscent of the North Carolina tug-of-war incident.

Experts attribute these occurrences to snakes seeking cool, moist environments during hot weather or hunting for rodents in sewer systems. In North Carolina, where several snake species thrive, including some venomous ones like copperheads, such events are uncommon but not unheard of. Greene noted that the snakes often climb trees and drop into roof vents, highlighting the need for proper sealing.

For a visual account, view this video: Why More People are Finding Snakes in the Toilet, which features Greene’s story and explains the rising trend.

Global Phenomenon and Prevention Tips

Snakes in toilets aren’t unique to Nigeria or the U.S. Similar incidents have been reported in Australia, Thailand, and South Africa, often involving pythons or cobras navigating plumbing systems.

A python emerging from a toilet bowl, illustrating global snake intrusions.

Climate change and urbanization may exacerbate these encounters by pushing wildlife into human spaces.

To prevent such scares:

Inspect Regularly: Always check the toilet bowl before use, especially in areas with known wildlife.
Seal Entry Points: Install mesh screens on roof vents and plumbing outlets to block snakes.
Use Repellents: Pour salt, kerosene, or natural repellents like garlic into the toilet periodically to deter snakes.
Maintain Hygiene: Keep surroundings free of rodents, as they attract snakes.
Professional Help: In snake-prone regions, have anti-venom readily available and contact experts for removals.

These stories, while alarming, underscore the importance of vigilance. As urban expansion continues, harmonizing with nature becomes crucial to avoid such deadly surprises.