The start of a new school year is always special, filled with excitement and anticipation. For Brooke Mills, a seventh-grader from Auburn, Alabama, her back-to-school photo shoot became an unforgettable experience.
Her mother, ShaneJoy Mills, was capturing the moment when an unexpected guest slipped into the frame. At first glance, the photo seemed perfect – Brooke smiling, looking eager to start the new academic term.
However, upon closer inspection, ShaneJoy’s heart skipped a beat. Coiled around the tree bark, almost invisible, was a snake. Its camouflage was impressive, but its presence was unmistakable.
“I said, ‘Brooke, come here,’ and she looked at me like I’m not done taking pics!” ShaneJoy recalled. “I said it calmly, but I’m sure my face said it all.” The snake, later identified as a rat snake, had apparently just fed and was posing for its own close-up.
The photo, shared hundreds of times on social media, sparked a mix of shock and amusement. Thankfully, the snake’s only intention was to photobomb Brooke’s special moment.
Back-to-school photos are treasured keepsakes for parents, capturing their children’s growth and milestones. ShaneJoy’s experience serves as a reminder to always look closely at the details – you never know what might be lurking in the background.
What would you do if you found a snake in your child’s back-to-school photo? Share your thoughts in the comments.
This unexpected encounter will surely make Brooke’s seventh-grade year unforgettable. And who knows, maybe she’ll have a slithery friend to commemorate the start of each school year.
