Malkangiri, 16th Aug 2025: A large Indian python was rescued from MV-11 village under the Malkangiri Forest Division through the combined efforts of forest officials and a snake rescue team. The snake is estimated to weigh around 20 kg and measure about 8 feet in length.
Due to ongoing awareness and sensitization efforts by the Malkangiri Forest Department, residents across the district now prefer to inform the department when encountering wildlife, rather than harming the animals.
Yesterday evening, during rainfall in Malkangiri town and surrounding areas, a poultry farmer in MV-11 village found the python entering his house, apparently to prey on his chickens. Upon being informed over the phone, Malkangiri Divisional Forest Officer Ramesh Chandra Raut instructed Forest Guard Manatosh Deng to lead a team to the spot. At around 8 p.m., they successfully rescued the snake.
Snake handler Dumburu Hantal safely captured the python, placed it in a container, and brought it to the Malkangiri Forest Range Office. After a check-up at the veterinary hospital, the python will be released into the forest.
Such rescue operations highlight the importance of community involvement in wildlife protection and in preserving the region’s natural heritage.