Rattlesnake found curled beneath a bed in a Del Rio, Texas home on March 23. The snake was removed safely with no injuries, police said.
City of Del Rio Police Department
A Texas family got a terrifying late-night surprise when they found a rattlesnake inside their home, hiding in one of the most unexpected places.
According to a viral Facebook post by the Del Rio Police Department, officers responded to a call about an “animal complaint” just before midnight on March 23.
They found the large rattler curled up beneath a bed, right next to a sandal.
“Officers immediately evacuated the occupants to ensure their safety and requested assistance from Del Rio Animal Services,” the department wrote in a Facebook post, which has been shared more than 800 times as of Saturday.
“He can have the shoes and the house,” one person commented.
“And I thought a Clown under the bed was Bad !!!”
“Thanks, will sleep well tonight! And that childhood move of jumping on and off the bed from 5 feet away will come in handy!” someone else wrote.
“New fear unlocked,” added another.
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Several people joked about the sandal or “chancla” next to the snake, saying the reptile didn’t seem to be scared of getting swatted by it.
“Saw the chankla and said I ain’t moving.”
“Even the snake fears the chancla!”
“On this day, the infamous Chancla met its kryptonite.”
Del Rio police said local animal services came to the house and “removed the snake without incident,” but also offered a creepy warning:
“The Del Rio Police Department would like to remind residents that snakes commonly emerge from hibernation during warmer months, particularly between March and April. Rattlesnakes may enter homes while seeking shelter, food, or relief from extreme temperatures.”
If you think that snakes under your bed are scary, in 2021 a Texas woman called 911 after finding a python on top of her toilet in the middle of the night. “That can’t be real,” the woman remembered thinking. “Then its little forked tongue flickered out at me and I slammed the door.”
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A Texas woman called police after she found a large python on top of her toilet. Facebook post by Patty Tidwell. Why are snakes showing up right now in Texas?
Snake activity tends to increase in the warmer months as temperatures rise and snakes come out of winter hibernation, according to Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control.
During this time, snakes are often searching for food, water, or shelter, which can bring them closer to homes, garages, and shaded areas.
That doesn’t mean they’re aggressive.
“Snakes will prefer to avoid encounters with humans altogether,” the group said. “A snake might respond defensively by hissing, striking, or biting if it feels cornered, startled, or otherwise threatened.”
Texas is home to more than 100 species of snakes, with only about 15 considered venomous and dangerous to humans, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Common venomous snakes in the state include rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes, with rattlesnakes being the most common.
What should I do if I see a snake near my home?
If you come across a snake, the safest thing to do is keep your distance and avoid trying to handle or move it.
“The majority of bites result from people taking unnecessary or foolish risks with venomous snakes,” TPWD said.
To reduce the chances of snakes around your home, experts recommend keeping grass trimmed and removing woodpiles, debris, and clutter where snakes may hide.
Frequent sightings or signs like shed skin, droppings, or a musky odor could indicate a larger issue and may be a reason to call wildlife control for help.
This story was originally published March 28, 2026 at 8:59 AM.