Do you ever find yourself nervously checking behind the shower curtain… or half-expecting a ghostly figure in the bathroom mirror? As eerie as those horror movie scenes are, there's something far more real — and terrifying — that could be lurking much closer: inside your toilet.

All over the world, people have experienced the absolute nightmare of sitting down… only to be surprised by a creature slithering, crawling, or splashing up from the pipes. From slippery snakes to creepy crawlers, here are five animals that might find their way into your toilet — and what you can do to keep them out.

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🐍 1. Snakes

Yes, it’s happened — and more often than you'd think. In 2010, a three-foot corn snake shocked a New Yorker when it slithered up to the 19th floor through the toilet.

Herpetologist Jack Conrad confirmed it’s entirely possible. Snakes are excellent swimmers, can hold their breath for long periods, and squeeze through tiny gaps. Although rare (snakes don’t exactly enjoy sewer systems), it’s a chilling reminder to always take a peek before you sit.

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🐀 2. Rats

Rats and sewers go hand in hand. These relentless survivors can swim for days and have no problem navigating tight spaces. If your home has food remnants going down the kitchen sink, it may attract these rodents.

According to pest control expert Eddie Marco, “It happens all the time, especially if you live on the ground or basement floor.” Once a rat gets into the pipe, it can climb up and out into the toilet bowl — and it can’t escape the way it came.

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🐿 3. Squirrels

While rats come from below, squirrels sneak in from above. They often enter through the roof stack vent, climb down into the pipes, and accidentally end up in the toilet bowl.

In one bizarre 2010 case in Oklahoma, a woman discovered a squirrel splashing around in her toilet. It took not one, but two officials to remove the furry intruder and safely release it.

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🐸 4. Frogs

Cute? Maybe. Welcome? Definitely not.

In places like Queensland, Australia — and even in parts of Florida — frogs sometimes hop into toilets looking for moisture. One Florida homeowner reported discovering frogs in his toilet more than once.

The solution? Install a mesh screen over your vent pipe, keep the bathroom lights off at night (to avoid attracting insects and frogs), and check with a plumber for any cracks in your pipes.

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🦝 5. Possums

Believe it or not, even possums have made dramatic entrances through plumbing.

In Brisbane, Australia, a man found a baby possum in his toilet — alive and wriggling. In other cases, people have stumbled upon deceased possums in their commodes. Not exactly the surprise you want first thing in the morning.

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🚫 How to Keep Creatures Out of Your Toilet

If you do spot a creature in your toilet, follow these steps:

1. Close the lid immediately.

2. Place something heavy on top to trap the intruder inside.

3. Call animal control — don’t try to remove it yourself.

To prevent this nightmare from happening again:

• Install a rat guard on your pipes. It lets waste exit but blocks critters from entering.

• Keep your toilet and pipes clean. The strong smell of cleaning agents may deter animals.

• Seal cracks and screen roof vents. These are common entry points for pests.

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Even though the chances of finding a creature in your toilet are low, a little prevention goes a long way. Better safe than startled!