A routine sink repair in Johor Bahru turned into a gruesome surprise when 38-year-old plumber Awen cut open a clogged pipe and found a python inside, highlighting how wildlife can end up in human-built spaces.
Here's what to know
According to SAYS, the call came in at about 2 p.m. on Aug. 13, sending 38-year-old plumber Awen to a terrace house in Kempas where a sink was no longer draining.
The blockage took a bizarre turn when Awen cut into a medium-sized pipe and realized a snake was inside.
Berita Harian reported that the reptile was lying in the pipe when his saw passed through it.
"I accidentally cut the creature while trying to fix a clogged sink, which separated its head from its tail," Awen said.
"It was my first time facing a situation like this. I also had to pull the snake out from the pipe," he added.
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More background
As neighborhoods expand and natural habitats are disrupted, wild animals can wind up in drains, ceilings, walls, and plumbing systems connected to the outdoors.
That does not necessarily mean every wildlife encounter is directly caused by people. Still, human development often increases the likelihood of contact. Pipes, sewers, and storm drains can become accidental pathways, especially in dense residential areas where infrastructure replaces or fragments habitat.
When wildlife enters homes, residents can face safety risks, property damage, and costly repairs.
These encounters can also be dangerous for animals. A snake trapped in a sink line or drain is already under stress, and any attempt to clear the blockage can quickly turn fatal. The BBC has also examined how human activity can shape wildlife encounters.
What can be done?
Keeping outdoor drains covered, sealing gaps around plumbing entry points, and clearing yard debris can help reduce the chances of animals getting into spaces connected to household pipes.
It also helps to watch for unusual warning signs. A severely blocked sink with no obvious cause, strange odors, or odd sounds coming from walls or drains may call for extra caution before anyone starts cutting into pipes.
When wildlife is suspected, the safest move is to contact professionals who can assess the situation without putting residents, workers, or animals at greater risk. In unusual cases like this one, plumbers may need to work alongside pest-control or animal-control teams.
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