Title: Snake Scare at Grimstad Bakery: Daughter’s Terrifying Encounter
Article:
A day of shopping at one of Grimstad’s bakeries turned into a horrifying ordeal for Daria Piterenko and her seven-year-old daughter, Ivanka, when they spotted a snake hiding in the ceiling of the restroom.
"Suddenly, my daughter screamed, ‘Mom, look!’ There was a snake in the ceiling," Piterenko recalled, still shaken by the encounter. "We were frozen for a moment, then we came running out. We were both terrified."
NRK has appealed to the public to share any video footage of the incident.
Piterenko and her daughter were not alone in the café when the snake became apparent. The owner, Sara Bergshaven, expressed her deep regret for the incident in an SMS to NRK, saying, "I’m so sorry this happened. This should not have occurred."
The snake, apparently a pet kept by someone living in the building, had escaped its usual habitat. Bergshaven hastened to assure the public that the snake is completely safe and harmless. Nevertheless, she understood the shock experienced by Piterenko and her daughter.
The bakery, Bergshaven Bakeri og Konditori, has been a staple in Grimstad since 1907. However, the snake sighting has left Piterenko and her daughter with sleepless nights.
"We can’t get the image out of our heads," Piterenko said. "My daughter has been scared to go to the bathroom even at home. I have to accompany her every time."
Piterenko, originally from Ukraine, is surprised that such an encounter could happen in Norway.
"Imagine if this happened during the winter here. I’m utterly shocked," she said.
The incident has sparked a political response. Landbruks- og matminister Geir Pollestad, a member of the Senterpartiet, commented on the matter, citing it as an example of why they advocate for stricter regulations on keeping exotic pets like reptiles.
"We want people to feel as safe as possible, whether they’re in their homes or relaxing at a café," Pollestad said.
Nils Harald Reiersen, a reptile specialist at Den Lille Dyrehage on Brokelandsheia, agreed that the snake was likely non-venomous but cautioned about the natural fear many people have towards snakes.
"We’re evolutionarily wired to fear snakes," Reiersen said. "Respect is key, but not all snakes are dangerous. The focus on reptile regulations should consider their low space requirements and welfare standards compared to many other pets."
Piterenko and her daughter remain traumatized by the experience, but they hope to resume their usual activities soon.
