Forest Deptt officials catch 15-ft Python after it swallows livestock

 

 

A dramatic wildlife encounter unfolded in the verdant industrial district of Korba, near the Rampur country liquor shop, where a massive 15-foot python was found coiled in the courtyard of a residence, having swallowed a baby goat and two chickens. The serpent, too weighed down by its meal, was unable to move and rested in the home of Khilawan Yadav, leaving the family in utter shock and fear when they discovered the predator the next morning. According to information received, Khilawan Yadav’s family had retired for the night after dinner, unaware of the events that had transpired under the cover of darkness. In the early hours of the morning, Yadav noticed something amiss in his yard when one of his baby goats had gone missing. Initially suspecting the animal had wandered off, Yadav grew more concerned upon discovering that the two chickens, kept in a basket, were also missing.

 

His search around the house ended in surprise and terror as he spotted the enormous python coiled up beneath a sack, having devoured both the goat and the chickens. Panicked, the family wasted no time contacting the local snake rescue team. Jitendra Sarathi, a snake catcher from the forest department, was promptly dispatched to handle the situation. Sarathi and his team quickly assessed that the python, after consuming its prey, had become sluggish and immobile, making the rescue a relatively straightforward process. “The python, which measured approximately 15 feet in length, had devoured the livestock and was in a lethargic state. This allowed us to carefully capture it and relocate it to a safer habitat within the forest,” Sarathi explained. Sarathi took the opportunity to educate the local residents about the importance of wildlife conservation.

 

He emphasized that harming or killing snakes and other wildlife is illegal and can lead to criminal charges. “I urge everyone to contact the forest department if they encounter such situations, rather than taking matters into their own hands. The forest department is committed to ensuring that incidents like these are handled professionally, and we will also provide compensation for any livestock losses caused by wildlife.” The rescue of the python has garnered significant attention in the area, with many praising the swift actions of the snake rescue team. Yadav’s family, still shaken by the incident, expressed their relief that no harm came to anyone. The forest department reassured the family that compensation for the lost goat and chickens would be processed promptly.

 

“This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and wildlife in areas like Korba, where such encounters are becoming more frequent,” said Raipur-based wildlife conservationist Nitin Singhvi, while speaking to The Hitavada over the phone. “All pythons found in India are accorded the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and hence there is an imminent need to spread awareness among people, particularly those in rural areas, where such encounters often take place. It is crucial to save pythons, as they play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance,” Singhvi asserted.