Snake interrupts business at city hall

Municipal court proceedings were interrupted Tuesday in Cape Girardeau when a water snake meandered into the courtroom at city hall and began slithering up the wall.

The reptilian intrusion did not cause much pandemonium to ensue, and no one screamed as they attempted to herd the snake to safety, said Dana Rambo, a clerk at the municipal court.

"It tried to climb up the wall," Rambo said.

Another employee managed to scoop the harmless snake into a coffee can, when Ty Metzger, nuisance abatement supervisor for the Cape Girardeau Police Department, was able to take over.

Metzger said he later released the snake in a field but had two more calls Wednesday regarding snakes in unwelcome locations.

"It's that time of year -- they migrate more once it starts warming up," Metzger said.

Keeping brush and weeds properly maintained around your residence will cut down on the chances of having a snake as unexpected house­guest, as will making sure to repair any cracks in the walls or foundation, Metzger said.

"They're like mice. They can get into almost any space," he said.

Not too long ago, a snake made its way into a downtown jewelry store, Metzger recalled.

"They really don't know the difference between outdoors and indoors," said Jemery Soucy, education specialist at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

Soucy suggested moving landscaping away from buildings because it provides an excellent cover for snakes and makes it more likely they will show up indoors.

Making sure the area around your residence is clear of mice and other possible food sources for snakes also helps.

Products that can be purchased as snake repellents, or using mothballs, tend to have a calming effect on the consumer, but generally are not effective, Soucy said.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245

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City hall employees discuss their encounter with the snake

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