A 13-foot-long Indian python was safely rescued from a farm in Kalhat, Maval, thanks to the alertness of a local farmer and the prompt action from the Maval Wildlife Rescue team. Bandu Pawar, a farmer, spotted the large snake resting motionless in his field and immediately informed the wildlife organisation. Following this, the Maval Wildlife Rescue team, comprising Jigar Solanki, Akash Owhal, Vicky Daundkar, Sahil Landge, and Ketika Kasetwar, promptly coordinated with the forest department and rushed to the site.
Pawar said, “I was working in the farm when I noticed something strange in the field. I realised it was a big python, so I called the rescue team.” Villagers kept a close watch on the python for nearly two hours to ensure it remained undisturbed until the rescue team arrived, safely captured the snake without harming it.
The python found in the farm field. PICS BY/SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The team expressed gratitude to the villagers for their cooperation and took the opportunity to raise awareness about snake conservation and safety. Under the guidance of Forest Range Officer Somnath Takwale and wildlife rescuer Nilesh Garade, the python underwent a preliminary health check and was later released into its natural habitat in the presence of forest guard Kaluram Kadu.
Rescue team member and wildlife researcher, Solanki said, “The Indian python is a non-venomous species, generally slow-moving and rarely aggressive toward humans. It kills its prey by constriction rather than venom. The python’s pale brown colouration with dark blotches helps it blend into its surroundings, and it can grow up to 10 to 15 feet in length.”
Solanki also advised that in case of a snakebite, one should not panic. The victim should be kept calm and still, and the bitten area should not be cut, tightly tied, or sucked, he informed, adding that no home remedies should be attempted and that the person should immediately seek medical care at the nearest well-equipped hospital where Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) is available.
“If possible, providing information about the type of snake can assist in treatment — but searching for the snake should be avoided,” added Solanki. The team further emphasised on awareness among locals, urging them not to kill snakes and instead call certified rescuers. Pythons were spotted across the Maval region in the last four months of monsoon. In June, as many as nine pythons were rescued.
