A massive 17-foot-long Burmese python weighing nearly 100 kg has been found near the girls' hostel at Assam University in Silchar on the night of December 18, leaving the students and staff in a state of panic.
The reptile, which is reportedly the largest discovered in a human habitat in the Barak Valley region, was first sighted around 10:30 pm, according to Times of India report. A prompt rescue operation was initiated under the guidance of wildlife researcher and conservationist Bishal Sonar, along with rescuer Trikal Chakraborty and a team of 12 to 13 members from the Barak Valley Wildlife Division.
Sonar described the python as the largest he had ever seen in his career and said it was possibly the heaviest snake ever documented in the area. Even though they are common in this region, Burmese pythons are not harmful to human beings, and their hunting is focused on small animals. He explained that one should avoid attacking or disturbing them.
The rescue mission was conducted with coordination between university students and the representatives of the forest department. The team of 12- 13 member handled the giant serpent was captured in video. On the instructions of the forest officials, the python was rehabilitated and relocated to Barail Wildlife Sanctuary.
"For the success, great teamwork, cooperation of great students, and support by forest officials made it very nice with great teamwork," Chakraborty added on behalf of joint co-ordinator.
