A huge python entered the courtyard of a house in the densely populated Utekhol village of Mangaon taluka in Raigad district of Maharashtra, sparking panic among residents. Thanks to the swift action of the Forest Department, support from a wildlife researcher, and the help of local youth, the python was safely rescued and released back into the wild.
On the night of September 14, around midnight, a massive python was spotted in the courtyard of the house belonging to Pravin Joshi, located near Holi Maal in Utekhol village, where the village deity Wakdai Devi is worshipped. After a village meeting had ended, Rajesh Sondkar, on his way home, saw the snake and immediately alerted some fellow villagers. Former deputy sarpanch Anant Thalkar quickly contacted wildlife researcher Shantanu Kuveskar from Mangaon.
Upon receiving the information, Shantanu Kuveskar rushed to the spot and also informed the Forest Department. Forest Guard Sujit Rajmane, Foresters Pawan Chaudhary, Anil More, Satish Kharat, and Govind Savkare promptly reached the site. With the assistance of locals Rakesh Madhavi and Maruti Sangle, Kuveskar and forester Pawan Chaudhary managed to safely capture the python. Retired soldier Prakash More, former deputy sarpanch Anant Thalkar, Haresh Madhavi, and Pravin Joshi were also present during the rescue operation.
When it was decided to release the python nearby, villagers raised concerns, fearing it might harm children, attack pets, or return to the village and cause problems. Addressing these worries, researcher Kuveskar along with forest officials explained that the python does not pose any direct danger or nuisance to humans. Only after reassuring the villagers was the python released immediately at a safe location on the outskirts of the village, without being tied, bagged, or caged.
“This incident once again shows that with timely awareness efforts and cooperation between the Forest Department and local residents, it is possible to ensure the safety of both human lives and wildlife,” said Shantanu Kuveskar.
