Live python falls from hospital ceiling a month after escaping its owner

As if hospitals weren't terrifying enough. 

On April 30, a live white ball python fell from the ceiling of Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, after spending a month -- yes, an entire month -- slithering around the ceiling ventilation ducts.

According to KCPQ, "a visitor brought the python to the hospital in a cat carrier full of stuffed animals," but apparently the hospital workers didn't think anything of it because, "strange things happen all the time."

After the owner returned home, he realized his python had escaped and notified the hospital. Though the hospital staff members were aware of the loose python, so much time had passed since they were notified that they forgot...and as you can imagine, were very surprised when it fell from the ceiling a month later.

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Marce Edwards with MultiCare Health System told KCPQ that the owner picked up the snake and took it home after the incident. 

Luckily ball python snakes are not venomous, and aside from the frightening surprise hospital staff members and patients were in no serious danger.

In an interview with KCPQ, Tacoma resident Chris Cummings said, "It's kind of crazy, actually...the fact is that I'd be kind of awed as to why they'd bring it in." 

"As a pet owner I have a snake of my own, but I wouldn't bring it to a hospital," Cummings said.

Well, there you have it folks. As tempting as it may be, think twice before you bring your pet python to the hospital for comfort and just stick with the stuffed animals.

To learn more about the incident watch the KCPQ's video below:

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