When one thinks of pythons, they often associate them with regions like South and Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, India, and Thailand. However, pythons also inhabit the southern part of China.
According to reports from Heyuan TV station, recently, the police station of Huangbu town in Longchuan County, Heyuan, Guangdong, received reports from locals asking for help. They claimed that pythons were spotted lurking in the villages of Xinbu and Huanjing in Huangbu town, preying on domestic animals.
Upon arrival, the firefighters discovered a huge python stuck in a dog pen. The snake appeared to be full and motionless, while the homeowner stated that their 30-kg dog was missing, presumably swallowed by the python.
The firefighters, in collaboration with on-site rangers, used professional snake-catching tools to subdue the python. It measured approximately 2.6 meters long and weighed about 60 kg, which is quite rare. Eventually, the python was handed over to a forestry station and released into the wild.
In Huanjing village, another python was found having consumed several ducks. It too was subdued and returned to nature.
The decision to return these snakes to the wild sparked debate online. Some netizens argued that these pythons, which have already posed a threat to poultry and even humans, should be killed or taken to a zoo. Having tasted such ‘sweetness’, they might reoffend. However, others, particularly animal lovers, argued that we shouldn’t deprive them of their lives, and releasing them into deep forests seems fair.
Regardless of opinions, the warning given by the fire department should be heeded: during the hot summer, accompanied by frequent rainfalls, some snakes may venture into human habitats in search of food. In such instances, one should never attempt to capture the snake. Even a minor misstep can lead to an attack with serious consequences. Ensuring safety is the priority. It is advised to call the authorities and wait for professionals to handle the situation.