The bathroom mirror is usually the last place you'd expect to find a wild animal.
But one Australian homeowner recently walked into the bathroom and discovered an enormous coastal python apparently enjoying a little moment of self-reflection.
The snake had somehow made his way inside the home and was stretched across the bathroom toiletries, with his head positioned directly in front of the mirror.
For a moment, it looked almost as if he were checking out his reflection.
Understandably startled by the unexpected visitor, the homeowner contacted WIRES Wildlife Rescue for advice. Based on the circumstances, rescuers suspected the python had likely slipped inside through an open window.
Fortunately, the homeowner didn't need to intervene.
The enormous snake eventually decided he'd had enough of his indoor adventure and slithered back outside on his own.
While coastal pythons aren't venomous, they can still deliver a painful bite if they feel threatened. Keeping a safe distance was therefore the safest choice for everyone involved.
WIRES also reminds Australians that pythons are protected wildlife and should never be harmed or removed from their natural habitat simply because they happen to wander somewhere unexpected.
And apparently, unexpected snake encounters aren't all that unusual in some parts of Australia.
John Grant, a WIRES spokesperson, told The Dodo that he regularly sees beautiful pythons around the bushland near his home. He's even encountered them emerging from potted plants and stretching out in sunny spots to warm themselves.
Here’s a photo Grant took of one such visitor:
For Grant, these encounters are simply another reminder of how closely humans and wildlife can live alongside one another.
The best thing people can do when a wild animal unexpectedly wanders into their home is give it plenty of space and contact trained wildlife rescuers when necessary.
In this case, the python didn't need a rescue at all.
He just needed a way out.
And after apparently taking a quick look in the mirror, he slithered back into the wild, leaving the homeowner with one unforgettable bathroom story.
To help other animals like this python, you can donate to WIRES.
