Burmese loose in the city

[Bogertophis]

Here's another source: https://www.wthr.com/article/beech-g...ubject-to-fine (ouch!)

[Bogertophis]

Afterthought: I don't know why it took so long to find Vine...wouldn't we all have searched every inch of our own property first? He obviously delayed
reporting that she was loose, not wanting to face the reactions from neighbors & the town. So to have her turn up in his own shed just seems like he
looked everywhere else first, no doubt in a panic, before checking his own shed...? Really unfortunate, both for him & for all of us not wanting more
places passing regulations & bans on the creatures we love. (Lesson: remember that "snakes go in shed"....how appropriate to find her there, lol.)

[C.Marie]

So he found her that's awesome, just throwing it out there but is it possible that she did go on a small adventure and got spooked and just happened upon the shed? After all locking things doesn't seem to be his strong suite

[Reinz]

I wonder if he is going to have to get rid of it since there is a town ordinance.

[Craiga 01453]

I am guessing the shed was checked multiple times. Just because the snake was found there doesn't mean it was in there the whole time.

[Bogertophis]

I am guessing the shed was checked multiple times. Just because the snake was found there doesn't mean it was in there the whole time.

Doesn't mean it wasn't, either. Maybe they thought there was no way the snake could get in there (ie. the door was closed or locked) but the snake found
a loose board? Seems less likely to me that the snake really went exploring the area, only to circle back like a homing pigeon...but I guess we'll never know.
I hope the snake wasn't harmed by excessive heat, sheds offer security but the heat really builds up. We all know that snakes usually choose security over
the correct temperatures. Also, the possible scent of wild rodents probably attracted the snake to the shed in the first place. Pity we can't interview the snake.

[Craiga 01453]

Doesn't mean it wasn't, either. Maybe they thought there was no way the snake could get in there (ie. the door was closed or locked) but the snake found
a loose board? Seems less likely to me that the snake really went exploring the area, only to circle back like a homing pigeon...but I guess we'll never know.
I hope the snake wasn't harmed by excessive heat, sheds offer security but the heat really builds up. We all know that snakes usually choose security over
the correct temperatures. Also, the possible scent of wild rodents probably attracted the snake to the shed in the first place. Pity we can't interview the snake.

Very true. Since the snake is the only one who knows, I guess we never will.

[Bogertophis]

I wonder if he is going to have to get rid of it since there is a town ordinance.

I'd be surprised if he currently has custody of the snake, since it's illegal there. And that's the really bad news for the snake: it's not that he was a perfect
owner, far from it. But sometimes when any sort of law enforcement confiscates a snake (whether it's Game & Fish, or local animal control), they may not
take proper care of it, and may not even care to, while he waits for his court date. (I'm hoping they let a zoo handle it?)

In any event, he'll now be under INTENSE scrutiny as to the security of his "crate" & his methods in general. I predict he'll be moving...

[B.P.'s 4me]

Vine the Burmese python has been found safe and sound...

http://www.wishtv.com/news/local-new...hed/1200975951


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So pleased to hear this!!

[Ax01]

ok here's an update: the owner has to give up Vine, his 14footer. i don't know their local laws, but seems kinda far reaching since he has to give up all his snakes and own no snakes moving forward; in addition, he surrenders his permit to keep rescue and rehab snakes. a big panic was started, it sucks and this is a bad price for him and community.

https://fox59.com/2018/08/27/owner-o...ine-from-city/

Owner of Beech Grove python agrees to give up snakes to avoid fine from city
BEECH GROVE, Ind. – The owner of the Burmese python that infamously got loose in Beech Grove earlier this year has agreed to give up his snakes.

Owner Benny Tarplee was facing a fine of $2,500 after his python named Vine was loose in the city for several days.


Tarplee believes the 14-foot snake got out because someone accidentally left her cage unlocked. She was later found under the owner’s shed, but not before people online had some fun. A parody Twitter account was created in her honor.

Once Tarplee gets rid of his snakes and signs an affidavit confirming he has done so, the city says it will drop the fine. Additionally, he will have to give up his DNR permit to rehabilitate snakes.


An attorney for the city says this addresses safety concerns of neighbors and residents.

not sure where this article came up w/ the headline Beech Grove python owner to give up his snakes to avoid jail time: https://www.theindychannel.com/news/...-up-his-snakes