AGRA: In a daring rescue operation carried out by the Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit in Agra, a 12.5-foot-long python, weighing nearly 30 kilograms, was rescued near Rehankala village in Chalesar, Agra. The massive constrictor had sustained a minor skull fracture and is currently undergoing treatment.
The sight of an enormous python wandering along the road near Rehankala village left commuters and local residents in a state of panic. The large reptile was presumed to have wandered out of the forested area located in the vicinity of the village. Concerned for the safety of the public as well as the python, a resident immediately reported the incident to Wildlife SOS on its 24 hour helpline number (9917109666).
A three-member rescue team was promptly dispatched to the location and after ensuring that the crowd of curious on-lookers were at a safe distance from the constrictor, it managed to successfully carry out the rescue operation. It took almost 35 minutes for the rescuers to carefully move the distressed python. A close medical examination revealed that the snake had fractured its skull and is undergoing treatment at the Wildlife SOS centre.
Arvind Kumar, the caller, said, "On coming across the crowd of bystanders gathered on the road, I requested them to maintain a safe distance in order to avoid alarming the python. I then contacted Wildlife SOS requesting for immediate help."
BaijuRaj M.V, Director Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said, "Because of continuous expansion of human habitation and rapid deforestation, the movement of wildlife gets restricted, often forcing animals and reptiles to wander out of their natural habitats in search of food and water. A thorough medical examination followed by an X-ray confirmed that the python had sustained a minor skull fracture, though we are yet to determine the cause of the injury."
KartickSatyanarayan, Co-founder, Wildlife SOS, said, "We are glad to see that people are becoming more sensitised towards these largely misunderstood reptiles and that instead of taking matters into their own hands, they contacted Wildlife SOS for assistance. Although non-venomous, a python's bite can be injurious so it requires swift skills on the part of the snake rescuers to capture them without cornering or alarming them too much to avoid any accidents. We have professionally trained rescuers who are experienced in handling sensitive rescues such as this one."
The python is currently undergoing treatment and will be released back in its natural habitat once deemed fit.
