A massive python was discovered coiled in a tangled position around a streetlight wire, 5 meters above the streets of Singapore, unable to free itself.
The python trapped on the streetlight. (Photo: ACRES)
Members of the Animal Conservation and Education Society of Singapore (ACRES) were called in to rescue the 3-meter-long python from its dangerous predicament, Newsweek reported on January 9. “Burmese pythons are agile and adept climbers,” said Kalai Vanan, co-founder of ACRES. “We also notice that pythons often climb structures to escape threats or when they feel vulnerable. In this case, the python may have been run over by a vehicle and climbed up for safety, or it could have been threatened by a crow. We checked it and found no injuries.”
ACRES rescue staff worked to untangle the python from the wire. Ultimately, they decided to lower the entire cluster of lights to prevent the python from falling onto the street. Afterward, Kalai and his team placed the python on a stretcher to transfer it to safety.
The Burmese python is one of the longest snake species in the world, often exceeding lengths of 6 meters. The largest specimen recorded was over 9.8 meters long. Despite being heavily hunted for their skin, they maintain a relatively stable population. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as <em“Least Concern”. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, commonly found in woodlands, grasslands, and rainforests due to their high adaptability to various environments. According to Kalai, this species is quite prevalent in Singapore, utilizing drainage systems to navigate areas with available prey such as rats.
Like all constricting snake species, Burmese pythons are non-venomous and kill their prey by suffocation. Attacks on humans are extremely rare.
