One of the World’s Largest Known Snakes Has Died After Being Captured and Manhandled
A colossal python who was found at a Malaysian construction site has died after reportedly being manhandled by her captors. According to news reports, the snake measured nearly 25 feet long and weighed about 550 pounds. She was apparently the second-largest known snake in captivity.
In a disturbing video shared on social media, you can see how the workers abused the giant reticulated python, wrapping and pulling her neck with a noose-like instrument, taping her mouth shut, and spraying her with a hose. One worker even kicked the animal.
The snake was reportedly transferred to wildlife officials but not before being passed around as a photo prop:
She reportedly died days after her capture, after laying a single egg.
Reticulated pythons are typically solitary animals who are nonconfrontational. They are not venomous and rarely bite humans. Though only an official necropsy would be able to determine the cause of the snake’s death, one thing is clear: She—like every other animal—didn’t deserve to be kicked, manhandled, or passed around as a photo prop.
What You Can Do
Capturing and handling wildlife can be harmful to the animals. If you are unsure of how to handle a wildlife emergency, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (here is a list that you can consult if you are in the U.S.). Check out more tips on helping wildlife here.
