SILCHAR: A rare wildlife sighting has been reported from Assam University as a massive Burmese python, about 17 feet long and weighing about 100 kilograms, was found on the campus near Girls Hostel Number 1.
The presence of such a gigantic reptile, reportedly the largest of its kind to be seen in the human-populated areas of Barak Valley, created panic among students and staff at midnight.
The discovery, which came to light at around 10:30 PM, led to instant action. Wildlife expert Bishal Sonar, an experienced snake handler of the region, said this might be one of the heaviest recorded in Barak Valley.
He emphasized that, despite its intimidating size, Burmese pythons are non-aggressive in general and play a very important role in maintaining ecological balance.
The python was caught with utmost care by the university and local community and transported to Barail Wildlife Sanctuary, from where it was released in its natural habitat. Leading the operation was Trikal Chakraborty, a well-known snake rescuer from Barak Valley. He prioritized the safety of the animal while minimizing the risk for the bystanders.
Experts have said that such occurrences show an increase in human-wildlife interaction, which has been caused by habitat destruction and environmental change. The appearance of a python near an inhabited city center calls for further conservation efforts and preparation when interacting with wildlife.
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