Colorful Rock Snake Ernie, Grows to 30 Feet on Utah Sidewalk

(Photo : Donald Giannatti / Unsplash)
The painted rock snake, Ernie, in Utah is now 30 feet long!

In Riverton, Utah, a painted rock snake by the name of Ernie has grown to a length of 30 feet as locals continue to add to its length. However, it will soon be taken off the sidewalk.

Growing a Rock Snake

Near the intersection of Cervina and Chamonix Way, neighbors didn't have to search very far to find Ernie the snake. He's currently about 30 feet long after someone put up a banner requesting neighbors to aid in his growth about a month ago.

The painted rock snake Ernie originally appeared as a rock with a snake head painted on it, a bright red felt tongue, and a body made of green, white, and turquoise. The person who made Ernie, who is yet unidentified, wrote a note at the head requesting that neighbors add painted rocks to aid in the rock snake's growth.

Following the actions of neighbors and community members, Ernie can now be seen stretching out quite a ways down the block.

Messages are painted on some of the boulders, while painted designs are on others.

Dalton Cook, a young resident, feels that Ernie should be considerably longer. Cook stated that it would be fantastic if it circled the entire planet, but the creator would have to include numerous signs in various languages, news outlet ABC4 reports.

Violations of Public Art

The community has praised the rock snake art project that a 6-year-old girl launched on Draper's Porter Rockwell trail for its beneficial effects.

More than 500 rocks painted with encouraging messages have been added to the project. Supporters were expecting the rock snake to grow a mile.

The city has nonetheless put up a sign requesting the removal of the painted rocks.

Concerned neighborhood residents questioned the choice, claiming that the painted rocks do not block the trail but rather improve the environment.

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They praised the project's positive aspects and contrasted the scenario to situations in which cities had torn down illegal lemonade shops.

Troy Walker, the mayor of Draper, acknowledged the appeal of the art project but stated that the city's stance was based on the idea of using public property.

Even though he acknowledged that some people would find the rock snake attractive and positive, he claimed that allowing one exhibition would establish a standard for others that might not be universally accepted or appropriate.

Walker referenced past court disputes involving signage on public property as well as the city's sign policy. He said the city council would want to think about designating a space as a public art area but pointed out that the trail system was not currently designed for such exhibits, CBS 2KUTV reports.

Starting a New Rock Snake

The proprietor of Green Kayak Grille & Pub in New Richmond said in a story by NPR's 91.7 WVXU News that he adored the internet concept of creating a snake out of curving painted rocks. Rebecca Vaske believed the moment was right to start a new set of painted rock snake display on her property after the Doerman brothers' deaths. It might promote healing and provide a secure environment for kids to play.

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