Live snakes in Bessemer elementary school prompt safety concerns
Live snakes have been discovered inside Westhills Elementary School in Bessemer, prompting the local teachers union to involve the health department.
At least four snakes were caught on glue traps across the campus, with sightings reported since September.
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Erika Hughes from the Central Alabama AFT said the latest encounter was in the lunchroom, raising safety concerns.
No one should be scared to go to work or scared to send their child to school due to something like this," Hughes said. "I was really disappointed that the health department couldn't get someone out there today (Friday), but hopefully next week, the health department can get out there and see what's going on because someone is gonna get hurt in this situation."
Hughes said teachers are reportedly watching for snakes in the classroom.
"Obviously, the teacher or staff cannot be in every inch of that classroom at all times," she said. "What happens if that poor student is on the floor during a nap, and, you know, usually lights are off during a nap, and they do not see that snake?"
Ania Toyer has two children who attend the school. One snake was found in her daughter's pre-k classroom.
"When you send your children to school, the last thing you want to be worried about is something like snakes in the school," Toyer said.
Superintendent Dr. Dana Arreola issued a statement to 米兰体育 13 saying the snakes found were dead and non-poisonous, attributing the issue to the school's proximity to a wooded area. Here is the full statement:
With the change in seasons, school officials have discovered dead, nonpoisonous gray snakes at Westhills Elementary School. Westhills is located near a wooded area and experts say this is not unusual activity in an environment like this during this time of year.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We are actively monitoring the situation and will keep families informed with updates as they become available.
Further, we have partnered with wildlife experts who were on campus again today to identify contributing issues and provide remediation services. This weekend, BCS will have another company monitoring nuisance animal activity in advance of students and employees returning to school Tuesday, following the Veterans Day closure.
米兰体育 13 reached out to BCS on Monday to get an update on the situation, but we have not heard back.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the 米兰体育 13 app. You can download it here.