Woman plunging toilet pulls out 5 1/2-foot snake

SAN DIEGO – Officials in San Diego are trying to sort out how a 5 1/2-foot snake wound up in a toilet at a downtown office building.

PR executive Stephanie Lacsa told San Diego County authorities she noticed the water level in the toilet was higher than usual when she went to the second-floor restroom Tuesday. When she plunged it, a snake popped up and flicked its tongue at her.

She screamed, ran out, taped the door shut and called Animal Services.

The department says an animal control officer found a giant Columbian rainbow boa on the floor, hiding behind the toilet. The snake was shedding and slightly underweight.

At about 5 pounds, the snake was underweight and shedding. Also a bit grouchy. It bit a handler.

The agency took the snake to an animal care center for examination. If its owner is not found, it will be given to a group with experience with boas, said Dan DeSousa, deputy director of the Department of Animal Services.

Just how the boa survived in the sewer system is a mystery. But one thing is clear.

“This is every person's worst nightmare,” Lasca said.

How it got in the toilet remains a mystery.

This story was originally published January 8, 2015 at 8:22 AM with the headline "Woman plunging toilet pulls out 5 1/2-foot snake."