An ordinary day at a western Nebraska middle school was interrupted when a snake appeared in a classroom, underscoring how abruptly wildlife can end up in spaces built for people.
Thankfully, staff quickly moved students out of the room, safely removed the snake, and the situation ended without injuries.
Here's what to know
No one was hurt after staff removed a nonvenomous snake found during the school day in a middle-grades classroom at Ogallala Public Schools.
The Ogallala Public Schools later shared a Facebook update on the situation. In the post, the district explained that "all students are safe after a nonvenomous snake was found in a middle grades classroom today. Students were promptly moved out of the room, and the snake was safely removed from the building."
In its message to families, the district added that "our maintenance team is checking how it entered and addressing any potential entry points. Thank you to our students and staff for responding calmly and quickly. Student safety remains our top priority."
The school district did not say exactly what species of snake it was. But according to Outdoors Nebraska, there are 29 snake species across the state, and the vast majority are nonvenomous. Of the 29 species, only four are venomous, including the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, the prairie rattlesnake, and the massasauga.
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Where can I learn more?
For more on the kinds of unexpected snake encounters people can have around their homes, yards, and neighborhoods, these stories look at homes, yards, and neighborhoods. They cover harmless backyard sightings, vacant homes overtaken by snakes, and broader community encounters.
• In Arkansas, snakes filled a vacant house for a surprisingly harmless reason.
• In one homeowner's backyard, an apology to "Mr. garter snake" sparked gentler yard habits.
• Across the Mid-South, small openings are letting more snakes slip into homes.
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