A 13-foot-long python weighing about 24.5 kg was rescued from National Highway-2 (Agra – Mathura Road) this past week. It took a Wildlife SOS team two hours to remove the snake, which was found to be in good health. It was released into its natural habitat on Friday morning.
“An enormous python was spotted near Sherjang Baba kiDargah on the Agra-Mathura freeway. The reptile had wandered onto NH-2, which is one of the busiest roads in the country, causing panic. Taking matters into their own hands, people tried to get the snake away. But because of improper handling, the distressed python took shelter inside a hole along the road side. In the meantime, a concerned local alerted Wildlife SOS on their 24 hour helpline number (9917109666),” said a release issued by the group.
A three-member team led by Baiju Raj of Wildlife SOS arrived at the location and finally rescued it after a two-hour operation.
Baiju Raj M.V, director (Conservation Projects), Wildlife SOS, said: “The highway is currently undergoing expansion, which has restricted the movement of wildlife in the area. This forces them to wander onto the busy roads. The python had fallen into a freshly dug hole on the side of the road, which was full of water due to continuous rain. We had to be extremely careful in ensuring that the snake was not alarmed or provoked to avoid any casualty.”
KartickSatyanarayan, co-founder, Wildlife SOS, said, “Although non-venomous, a python’s bite can be injurious, so one has to be careful. We request people not to handle any wild animal or reptile themselves as it can prove to be dangerous, especially in case of larger reptiles. We have trained rescuers who know how to handle snakes. Indian rock pythons are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Also, they are sought-after when it comes to the illegal pet trade.”
