Massive python caught in uMhlanga
The massive snake was found by workers at Izinga Park in uMhlanga today.
A MASSIVE Southern African rock python was rescued from Izinga Park (near the end of Herrwood Drive) by local snake man, Jason Arnold, earlier today. The 3.8-metre-long reptile, estimated to be heavier than 30kg, was discovered last Friday 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.
“The resident engineer was concerned for the snake and his workers’ safety. I had been back to the site since it was spotted since last Friday but I was not able to capture her. When I spotted the snake today, she had managed to anchor her tail in a thicket of debris near the construction site,” he explained.
While the rescue only took seven minutes, Arnold said it was by far his most strenuous rescue. “It didn’t take long to get her into a bag, but it was the most tiring rescue,” he said.
The massive reptile will now be relocated to a reserve.
“I will have to contact Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and though it’s frowned upon to remove pythons from their habitat, in this case I think it’s the best recourse purely because there are so many people around,” he said.
