Baby rattlesnakes found at Van Nuys elementary school

The discovery of three baby rattlesnakes at a Van Nuys elementary school has resulted in a cleanup effort.

Two of the 10-inch rattlesnakes were found in recent weeks near a classroom at Valerio Street Elementary School, prompting a series of letters and warnings to students, staff and parents.

The latest snake was found this week under a cargo container.

“This is a complete anomaly,” said Robert Laughton, deputy director of L.A. Unified School District’s maintenance operations.

Maintenance crews haven’t been able to pinpoint where the snakes came from, so they moved forward with a plan to scour the campus and trap any animals that might be a potential meal for a snake.

Hoping to get some answers about their rattlesnake problem, Laughton spoke with Los Angeles County Animal Control, L.A Zoo snake experts as well as a rattlesnake expert in Santa Clarita.

They told him these are the first rattlesnakes found in the “San Fernando floor,” Laughton said.

Laughton and his staff have trimmed large bushes and used a camera to check nearby storm drains for additional snakes.

A staff member has also been assigned to handle all snake-related issues, he said.

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