SAMFORD CRIMSON (Samford U, Birmingham, Alabama) 02 October 13 Increased snake population causes one student bite (Halley Smith)
More and more students are finding snakes in Beeson Woods and West Campus. There have been snake sightings in the Chi Omega house, outside of the Alpha Omicron Pi house and on the bridge connecting central campus to Beeson Woods, but the snakes’ origin have yet to be discovered.
Sophomore exercise science major Mary Beth Blankinship was bit on her foot by a copperhead a few days into the school year.
“I was just walking around outside when I stepped on the snake,” said Blankenship. “I never thought there would be snakes outside. It’s Samford.” Blankenship spent five days in the hospital.
“Now I’m just really concerned every time I walk into West Campus. None of my friends want to get bitten by a snake,” said Blankinship.
Since then, students have seen snakes in the bushes and the ivy around West Campus. Sophomore psychology major Anna Lautenschlager saw two snakes in the bushes outside her building.
“I just really hope that someone takes care of this problem. I don’t feel safe walking outside, night or day,” said Lautenschlager.
Public Safety has been working to remedy the problem. They have been placing Snake-A-Way, a snake repellant, around West Campus and have plans to remove some of the plants known to house snakes, though even these actions may not eliminate the snake problem.
There are only four types of poisonous snakes in Alabama: copperheads, cottonmouths, coral snakes and rattlesnakes. Each snake is easily recognized by its color and behavior, but most Samford students would rather eliminate a snake than determine its species. Students have been advised to wear closed-toed shoes and be alert to surroundings to prevent snake bites.
Blankinship has other words of advice, “Please watch where you’re going. Don’t get near the ivy. You really don’t want to get bit by a snake. It’s awful.”
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