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MELANIE AVETwo snakebites at two schools in New Tampa on successive days may point to a larger snake problem.
TAMPA - One day after a pygmy rattlesnake bit a 6-year-old Clark Elementary School first-grader, another of the small, venomous snakes nipped a custodian at nearby Freedom High School.
School officials are now investigating the area around the two New Tampa schools to see if there is a larger snake problem.
"It's an unfortunate coincidence to have two snake bites in two days, but not unusual for snakes to be out this time of year," said Hillsborough County schools spokesman Mark Hart.
Jorge Pena, a 55-year-old custodian at Freedom High, was bitten about 9:30 a.m. on the left index finger by a pygmy rattlesnake as he was digging in a flower bed on the northeast side of the school. Pena was taken by ambulance to University Community Hospital. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, but antivenin was not used.
He was listed in fair condition.
Shortly after Pena was bitten, the school halted outdoor classes and warned students and employees to stay clear of grassy areas. They encouraged them to say on sidewalks.
The first snake incident occurred Tuesday afternoon as a Clark Elementary teacher was rounding up 24 students from recess. She noticed a snake in a grassy area near a play court and told her students to stay away.
School officials say R.J. Gambill left his place at the back of the line and bent down to the touch the snake, which immediately sank its fangs into the boy's right index finger.
The boy, however, told his mother the snake jumped up at him.
"I really don't know what happened," said his mother, Bridget Gambill.
The boy was sent by ambulance to University Community. On Wednesday he was listed in fair condition with a sore finger that looked like a blowfish.
"He still wants a pet snake," Gambill said. "Can you believe that? A snake almost takes off his finger and he still wants a pet snake."
R.J. was scheduled to leave the hospital today.
Gambill said her son will return to Clark Elementary soon, but she wishes the school would clear some of the high weeds from around the campus to make the habitat less cozy for snakes.
"They're as tall as I am," she said.
Clark and Freedom are in the growing New Tampa area, where subdivisions abut undeveloped land. Wildlife, including alligators and wild pigs, are common.
Snake expert Bruce Means said more snakes may be out and about now after being driven from their homes by recent rainfall. It is also mating season, so male snakes are on the hunt for female companions.
The pygmy rattlesnake usually grows no longer than 24 inches. Its skin is light to dark gray with dark spots and a reddish-brown stripe down the back.
- Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report.