What should have been a routine round of sorting donations at a West Virginia emergency relief center instead featured workers finding an adult copperhead hidden in the bags.
The startling discovery turned an ordinary day at Christian Help into a safety emergency.
What happened?
Director Rebecca Hooker and employee Jossie Spurlock spotted something unexpected when they were going through donations in late spring.
WOWK reported that the animal was a venomous stowaway.
Spurlock described how routine the moment seemed before everything changed, saying, "Grabbing stuff like a normal Monday, trash is trash, not watching what I was doing, but who would think in a million years there'd be a copperhead on the porch?"
Hooker added, "I don't see very well, but I did see a snake."
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Spurlock then confirmed what they were dealing with, telling WOWK: "And I look, yes, definitely a copperhead. And yes, I screamed like a little girl and left."
The outlet reported that a volunteer "was forced to dispatch the snake."
Why does it matter?
Because copperheads are venomous, encounters with them can be deadly.
Hooker urged people to be careful. "In this area, I have a dear friend of mine who was bitten and was in the ICU for two days," she told WOWK.
An incident like this can disrupt access to food, clothing, and support services for neighbors who rely on them while also putting staff and volunteers in harm's way.
What's being done?
Christian Help continued its work after handling the threat.
Bags and boxes that have been sitting outside, in garages, or in sheds should be checked carefully before they are sorted, lifted, or opened.
Closed-toe shoes, gloves, and a quick visual inspection can reduce the chance of a dangerous surprise.
Keeping storage spaces uncluttered can also help since snakes often seek cool, dark hiding spots and may be drawn to areas where rodents are present.
If you do find a snake, the safest response is usually to create distance and contact animal control or a trained professional rather than trying to handle it alone.
If a bite occurs, immediate medical attention is critical.
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