Massive Python Safely Rescued from Village in Honnavar Taluk of Uttara Kannada
By The News Observer Desk
Honnavar (Karnataka): In a heart-pounding encounter that drew hundreds of curious onlookers, a massive Indian rock python was successfully captured and released back into the wild after wandering into a residential orchard in Kadageri village, under the Kharwa Gram Panchayat of Honnavar taluk of Uttara Kannada.
The incident unfolded late Wednesday night near the home of local resident Gajanan Nayak. Residents spotted the enormous, non-venomous serpent slithering through the orchard, prompting swift action to ensure both human and animal safety. Authorities immediately summoned snake experts, who arrived promptly to handle the situation with professional expertise.
Measuring approximately 10 feet in length, the python – a species known for its impressive size and constricting prowess – was carefully subdued without incident. “It was a textbook rescue,” one expert noted, emphasizing the reptile’s calm demeanor during capture. The Indian rock python, one of India’s largest native snakes, can grow up to 20 feet and plays a vital role in controlling rodent populations in rural ecosystems.
Word of the capture spread like wildfire through the close-knit community, attracting over a hundred villagers who gathered to witness the rare sight. Despite the crowd’s excitement, the team maintained a secure perimeter, prioritizing the snake’s well-being and preventing any potential harm.
After a thorough health check confirmed the python was uninjured, it was transported to a nearby forest reserve and released into its natural habitat. Such encounters highlight the delicate balance between expanding human settlements and wildlife in Karnataka’s lush coastal regions, where pythons often venture into farmlands in search of prey like rodents and small mammals.
Local forest officials commended the community’s restraint and the rescuers’ efficiency, urging residents to contact professionals rather than attempting DIY interventions. “Snakes like this are guardians of our biodiversity,” said a department spokesperson. “Prompt reporting saves lives – on both sides.”
This rescue adds to a growing tally of human-snake interactions in the region, underscoring the need for ongoing awareness campaigns to mitigate conflicts. No injuries were reported, and the python is believed to have returned to its forested home unharmed.
