Bhubaneswar: Forest officials rescued a 14.5-feet-long Burmese python from Barakolikhol village under Batighar gram panchayat in Mahakalapada block of Kendrapada district late Tuesday night.
According to reports, the giant reptile was spotted moving near the house of Madan Samanta, triggering panic among family members.
The family immediately alerted the Forest Department. Acting swiftly, forest staff rushed to the location and with the help of villagers, safely captured the python. The reptile was later kept at the Batighar Section Forest Office.
Jambu Ranger Shantanu Dalai said the python will be released into its natural habitat at the Kansaridia Reserved Forest.
The python, non-venomous but powerful, is often found in the mangrove and riverine areas of Kendrapada. Forest officials said such sightings increase during the monsoon when reptiles move to higher ground.
Officials have urged villagers not to harm wild animals and to inform the department immediately if such reptiles are spotted near human habitations.
