RECENT cases of pythons making appearances in populated areas have been linked to the loss of their natural habitat, coupled with the wet season, which allows them to move easily.
Consultant on Avian and Exotic Wildlife and former zoo vetenarian Dr S. Vellayan said when development took place in the snakes’ natural habitat, the reptiles would slither to new areas to find food.
“This phenomenon happens with other wildlife animals as well. In theory, animals do not leave their natural habitats unless they are forced to, out of survival,” he said.
“The movement of pythons to populated areas could also be attributed to the rainy season as well, as pythons are excellent swimmers.”
Dr Vellayan said there were two common species of pythons in Malaysia — the blood python and the reticulated python.
Blood pythons are native to eastern Sumatra, western Malaysia, southwestern Thailand and other islands in Southeast Asia. The name is derived from the colour of their red scales, and they can be found in highland areas.
Reticulated pythons, the world’s longest snake species, populate the lowlands and are non-venomous constrictors.
Being excellent swimmers, they have been reported to be seen far out at sea and are known to have colonised many small islands.
The species, also associated with rivers and can be found in areas with nearby streams and lakes, are usually found in rainforests, woodlands and nearby grasslands.
“Their diet usually consists of ground mammals, mousedeers, wild boars, birds and monkeys. They also feed on rats and other small animals, such as chicken and ducks.
“Some experts believe that they thrive in drains and eat anything that they catch,” Dr Vellayan said.
The reticulated python has a striking pattern, with zig-zagged black lines interspersed with yellow-brown, dark brown or medium grey patches.
A dark line runs through the middle of its elongated head, while vertical pupils sit in orange yellowish eyes.
Dr Vellayan said that although most people were terrified of pythons, the reptiles were not considered dangerous to humans.
“They are shy and usually avoid human contact. However, they can turn aggressive if they feel threatened — as with other wild animals.
Dr Vellayan said large reticulated pythons were powerful enough to kill an adult human.
“However, the number of such attacks is small,” he added.
A reticulated python can grow up to 10m (about the length of two regular-sized cars) and can weigh up to 113kg.
He said that if near human habitation, they had been known to snatch chickens, cats and even dogs. They would also find comfort in cool and damp places, such as the bathrooms, kitchens, shoe cabinets and store rooms.
“They don’t usually stay long in one place. Once they have fed, they will usually move.
“They are also slow movers, since they don’t really chase their food.”
Dr Vellayan said when the snakes are sighted in their natural surroundings, such as nature reserves, forests or canals, it would be best to leave them alone.
“In movies, they are often portrayed as vicious animals that attack upon sight. This is not true, as they usually move away or hide when they come into contact with humans,” he said.
Dr Vellayan said when a python is sighted in populated areas, it would be best to call the authorities, who are trained in dealing with such cases, such as the Fire and Rescue Department or the Civil Defence Department (JPAM).
“Do not, in any way, disturb a python, try to catch it or kill it on your own. Although it is not venomous, the snake can still inflict serious injury because its teeth are long and sharp,” he said.
Bentong Civil Defence Department officer Zulkhairi Adek Awang said every officer involved with snake-catching operations had to go through specific training courses conducted by the National Civil Defence Training Centre.
“Public safety is our main concern when conducting such operations. Some people think that it is an easy job, but we can’t deny the risks involved,” he said.
Zulkhairi said officers who go on such operations were required to wear thick protective gloves.
They carry tools resembling large pinchers to pick up the snakes and a gunny sack or a small cage to hold the snakes before they are released back to their original habitat.
He said some of the species that his officers had caught included pythons, the Malayan cobra and vipers.
“There is no specific time or season for the snakes to come out. Sometimes, they stray from their natural habitat and make their way too close to populated areas.
“When it is too hot, they move to find cooler and shady places. This is why people usually find them in bathrooms or drains.”
Zulkhairi said the department usually received distress calls by villagers whose livestock, such as chickens, have been killed by snakes.
“When a snake strays into a house, it can usually be found in wardrobes, storerooms, bathrooms and sometimes, even in car engines.”
He advised the public not to panic if they encounter a snake and to immediately call the Fire and Rescue Department or JPAM.
“Do not attempt to disturb the snake. Once it starts moving, it can be a potentially difficult and dangerous operation,” he said.