Town Looks at Restrictions on Snakes After Woman Killed by Python

(OXFORD) — An Indiana town is considering restrictions on snakes after a woman was strangled by an 8-foot-long (2.4-meter-long) python.

Town Council president Randy Jones believes it’s “almost unanimous” that residents in Oxford want limits on certain snakes. He spoke Monday night at the first council meeting since the death last week of Laura Hurst.

The 36-year-old was found on the floor of a snake-filled home in Oxford. The python was wrapped loosely around Hurst’s neck. Hurst lived 20 miles (32 kilometers) away but regularly visited the house where she owned 20 of the approximately 140 snakes. None are venomous.

The home is owned by Benton County Sheriff Don Munson, who is a snake breeder. Munson hasn’t commented.

Councilmember Justin Brummett says more information is needed before Oxford takes possible action.