THE massive Southern African rock python rescued from Izinga Park (near the end of Herrwood Drive) by local snake man, Jason Arnold, has been released into a nature reserve on the North Coast. The 3.8-metre-long reptile, estimated to be heavier than 30kg, was released in the Enseleni Nature Reserve in Richards Bay.

The large python was discovered by workers at the housing estate, which is currently under development. The rock python is Africa’s largest snake and is found in a variety of habitats, including forests and near sources of water.

“Pythons are protected species and I’m glad she was safely relocated to Enseleni Nature Reserve. It consists of coastal grasslands and forest, which is the perfect habitat for the python. She was in good health and I think it will be the perfect home for her,” Arnold said.

Since the capture, the Durban North resident has rescued and relocated three more pythons found along the North Coast.