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Printer-Friendly ModeSnake intrusion less severe than previously thought
SVSU official clears up rumors about Pine Grove snake incident in spring
April 9, 2007 —
Wouldn't it be exciting if a rampant snake infestation occurred in Pine Grove Apartments? Apparently a few SVSU students thought so, and what began as a minor snake incident grew unrealistically during retellings. Students with little factual knowledge of the events in Pine Grove have passed along the story until the current version, recently printed in the Vanguard, bears little resemblance to the actual events.
In the first ever snake incident in campus housing (according to several long-term University employees), there were in fact snakes in one unit of Pine Grove Apartments. According to Ron Portwine, Director of University Auxiliary Operations, "A total of four were removed from the unit and several more we captured outdoors in the vicinity of the unit." Several snakes escaped before Campus Facilities staff could catch and identify them. The snakes that were captured were identified as common garter snakes. Though the other snakes could not be correctly labeled, it is reasonable to assume that they are of the same variety due to the other snakes that were captured and their location. The snakes that were caught were released away from campus.
The snakes first appeared during the beginning of the warm weather several weeks ago. Snakes hibernate and it is believed that they became active due to the warmth. The four snakes entered through a small hole, approximately the size of a quarter, in the foundation. The hole, which has been closed by Campus Facilities staff, was in the foam board that provides insulation behind the siding. After the snakes entered the wall, they found their way into the unit via a small hole in the bathroom.
"As a preventative measure, Campus Facilities staff is also installing some aluminum flashing at the bottom of the siding. This should greatly reduce any future opportunities for a snake or other small animal to gain access to the unit. This is or will be carried out for all Pine Grove apartments of similar design," Portwine said.
On the night of the initial snake sighting, the residents were relocated. They returned the following day, but some elected not to sleep in the unit for a few days.
One resident has chosen to move from the unit permanently and has relocated to another area on campus.
Portwine added, "I feel our Campus Facilities staff did a great job responding to and following up on the incident until no additional snakes were discovered for several days. Garden snakes pose no threat to humans. However, we realize that many people fear snakes no matter what the species."