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FAMU Installs 1,500 Pound Bronze Rattlesnake On Campus

A 9-foot tall, 15-hundred-pound Rattlesnake now stands guard in front of Florida A&M University’s new student success center on Wahnish Way. The bronze sculpture weighs as much as a cow. FAMU Student Affairs Vice President William Hudson says the response to the statue has been great so far.

"Oh, it’s been very positive. People have been very positive about the statue, and they love the statue. And congratulating the University in making a great choice in the symbolism of the statue," said Hudson. "Now I’ve had some staff who are afraid of snakes say well it looks a little mean."

The statue was made by sculptor Brad Cooley of North Florida. The school says it wanted something that had spirit and symbolized the university. FAMU’s mascot is “the Rattler.”

While a picture of the sculpture has already surfaced, the actual unveiling of the piece won’t be until January.

Look at the gallery below to see pictures of the sculpting process.

Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Bradley Cooley / Facebook
/
Facebook
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Bradley Cooley / Facebook
/
Facebook
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Bradley Cooley / Facebook
/
Facebook
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Bradley Cooley / Facebook
/
Facebook
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Bradley Cooley / Facebook
/
Facebook
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Bradley Cooley / Facebook
/
Facebook
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.
Bradley Cooley / Facebook
/
Facebook
Pictures of the sculpting process taken to create the Rattler bronze.

Copyright 2020 WFSU

Blaise Gainey is a Multimedia Reporter for WFSU News. Blaise hails from Windermere, Florida. He graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He formerly worked for The Florida Channel, WTXL-TV, and before graduating interned with WFSU News. He is excited to return to the newsroom. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, Netflix, outdoor activities and anything involving his daughter.