A 3.9-metre African rock python was safely captured after being discovered inside a residential estate bordering the Kruger National Park, prompting swift action by local snake rescue experts.
The Phalaborwa Herpetological Society responded to the scene after a domestic helper spotted the snake slithering along the perimeter wall of the house.
She alerted the homeowner, who immediately contacted professionals to handle the situation.
No injuries reported
Rescue team members Fanie Strydom, Hendrik Ferreira, Etienne Dewet, and Pieter van Merwe managed to safely capture the large female python and relocate it to a nearby protected nature reserve.
Thankfully, no one in the household – including children and pets – was harmed.
“Please do not attempt to handle or harm snakes,” Strydom advised.
“These animals are protected by law and play a crucial role in our ecosystem, controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecological balance.”
Safety tips
Strydom has issued a public safety advisory, reminding residents living near wildlife areas to stay calm, keep a safe distance, and call trained professionals in the event of snake encounters.
The incident serves as a reminder of the close proximity between humans and nature in regions like Phalaborwa.
As residential areas expand near protected wildlife zones, sightings of snakes and other wild animals are becoming more frequent.
Environmentalists urge communities to educate themselves about local wildlife and adopt a conservation-minded approach to such encounters.
Have you ever had a close encounter with a snake?
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