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Snake Under Pillow Bites Woman as She Prepares for Bed

2024-12-17

One December night in Oklahoma, Donna Bratschun was about to settle into bed when she made a shocking discovery. Under her pillow lay a snake that had made its way into her house. Before she could react quickly enough, the snake bit her. “It’s one thing for a snake to get in your house; it’s another to find your bed and cuddle under your pillow,” she told the local news station. At first, she was worried as she didn't know what kind of snake it was. Her husband came to her aid, using thick gloves and a container to remove the non-venomous bull snake from the bedroom. Wildlife specialist Kayla Jobe explained that bull snakes are common in the area and eat small rodents, and they can fit through small spaces like an inch wide. Bratschun believed the snake might have entered on plants her family brought inside before Thanksgiving. This isn't the first time a snake has disrupted someone's bedtime. Just last week in Stellenbosch, South Africa, a man found a live cape cobra curled under his pillow. Stellenbosch Snake Removals was called, and an expert snake catcher removed the highly venomous reptile. “This snake varies in color and is easily confused with others. It is our most dangerous cobra and accounts for many fatal snake bites in South Africa,” they said. The incident shows how snakes can find their way into our homes and cause unexpected surprises.

Beware! Snakes Can Invade Your Bedtime Routine

Oklahoma Snake Incident

Donna Bratschun's encounter with the snake under her pillow was a terrifying experience. She was just getting ready for bed when this unexpected guest made its presence known. The fact that the snake was able to find such a cozy spot under her pillow was both astonishing and alarming. Her husband's quick action in removing the snake using proper equipment was a relief. It's a reminder that even in our own homes, we can face such unexpected and dangerous situations.

Wildlife specialist Kayla Jobe's insights shed light on the behavior of bull snakes. Knowing that they are common in the area and have a purpose in eating small rodents helps put the incident in perspective. But it also emphasizes the need to be cautious and aware of the potential for such encounters.

South African Cape Cobra Incident

In Stellenbosch, South Africa, a man had a similar, yet more dangerous, experience. Returning home to find a live cape cobra under his pillow was a shock. Stellenbosch Snake Removals was called in to handle the situation, and their expert snake catcher, Emile Rossouw, safely removed the highly venomous reptile. The description of the cape cobra's color variations and its potential for confusion with other snakes highlights the importance of being able to identify different species.

The fact that cape cobras are responsible for a significant number of fatal snake bites in South Africa serves as a stark reminder of the danger these snakes pose. It shows that no matter where we are, we need to be vigilant and prepared for such unexpected encounters with venomous snakes.