Snake Leaves Over 11,000 People in the Dark After Reptile Cuts Power By Touching Transformer

Charna Flam

August 13, 2024 at 6:58 p.m.·2 min read

The type of snake has not been identified

<p>Getty</p> Stock image of an eastern yellow rat snake — Getty
Stock image of an eastern yellow rat snake

One snake just left a few neighborhoods out of power.

Dominion Energy officials said a snake caused a power outage affecting about 11,700 customers on Saturday, Aug. 10, in Virginia — in areas around Kiln Creek, central Newport News, and Christopher Newport University — per 13 NBC News, WTKR, UPI and 10 WAVY.

The snake caused the outage when it slithered into a high-voltage area and then came into contact with a transformer. Around 9:15 p.m., there were just over 6,000 outages, per 10 WAVY.

According to 13 NBC News, Dominion Energy crews restored service to all customers by around 10:30 p.m., approximately an hour and a half after the first reports of outages.

The breed of the snake responsible has not been identified. However, eastern garter snakes and eastern rat snakes are both native to Virginia.

<p>Getty</p> Stock image of a garter snake slithering over rock — Getty
Stock image of a garter snake slithering over rock

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In May, there were four snake-induced power outages near Nashville. Throughout the month, several snakes found their way into the Henpeck substation in Franklin, Tenn.

In Tennessee, the snakes were mostly identified as gray rat snakes. They found their way into the substations and their powered equipment, causing the equipment to short out.

At the time, Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) emailed customers, declaring the situation "unprecedented” and "very unusual." MTE communications and marketing director Larry Rose said the substation’s advanced equipment typically deters animal interference.

Rose further explained the rarity of the situation in a separate interview with WKRN, adding, "One of the managers I have talked to said he has been on the job for 20 years and probably had two [snakes] that he can remember, and we've had four in eight days."

<p>Getty</p> Stock image of a eastern garter snake — Getty
Stock image of a eastern garter snake

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A representative for Dominion Energy did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

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