Massive rock python caught by Park Rynie RTI officer near school in Dududu
After two hours of trying to lure the massive creature down, the python was captured unharmed.
Schoolchildren in the Dududu area came face to face with a three-metre rock python on Monday afternoon near the pathway they use to get home from school.
YOU MIGHT ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: VIDEO: Four black mambas and THAT python
The matter was reported to the Dududu police station and one of the town’s most renowned snake catchers, Tim Simpson of the Park Rynie Road Traffic Inspectorate, was contacted.
Mr Simpson arrived at the scene shortly afterwards and began climbing a rather large tree, in which the snake had last been seen. After two hours of trying to lure the massive creature down, he caught the python, unharmed.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Scottburgh teen saves three lives…and still snaps ‘selfie’ with black mamba
“Should people come across snakes, the best thing to do is not to make any sudden movements, rather just walk away and don’t interfere,” said Mr Simpson.
These pythons can lunge when threatened and the one that was caught was believed to be aggressive, so extra precautions had to be taken.
Mr Simpson explained how pythons like this have teeth that grow backwards so that when they grip onto prey and it tries to release itself, the teeth dig into the body, making the grip tighter.
Pythons generally squeeze the life out of their prey by coiling their body around it so it cannot breathe. They then devour it whole.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Snake catcher Sarel bags a five metre python – Africa’s largest snake
To keep this catch calm, Mr Simpson covered its eyes with a towel, as dark places makes snakes feel less threatened.
The python is currently in captivity and will be released by Mr Simpson and another snake handler, Pat McKrill, shortly.
“I’m glad I managed to get this catch, because this snake would have been dead by now had the community got to it before I did,” Mr Simpson said. “Also, it was in the way of schoolchildren so there’s peace of mind, knowing that anyone who uses that pathway is now safer.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
