It’s back-to-school season in Auburn, and students are heading off with enthusiasm, filling social media feeds with cheerful snapshots. Among them, one picture has captured widespread attention. Seventh-grader Brooke Mills, attending Auburn City School, smiled brightly for her photo, wearing skinny jeans, a black t-shirt, and carefully styled hair.
At first glance, the photo seemed typical — a happy student ready for the new school year. But an astonishing detail lurked in the background: a sizable snake, gracefully slithering down a tree, caught everyone by surprise. The reptile had gone unnoticed during the photo session until Brooke’s mother spotted it.
“Oh my goodness, it was quite frightening!” Brooke’s mother recalled. She calmly guided her daughter away from the tree, while capturing a few more shots. Brooke, unfazed, continued to smile as the snake quietly remained nearby. Thankfully, the animal showed no aggression and seemed content to share the frame rather than cause harm.
The unusual photobomb quickly made the image a local sensation. Families and community members were amused and amazed at the unexpected guest, turning an ordinary school photo into a memorable story. This moment serves as a lively reminder that surprises can appear when least expected. As Auburn students embark on a new school year, Brooke’s picture highlights the unpredictable joy of everyday life, the excitement of new beginnings, and the importance of embracing the unexpected — sometimes in the form of a friendly snake in the background.
