Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
TARLAC CITY — An 8-foot, 6-inch reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) is now under proper care after residents alerted authorities to its presence in a community in Tarlac City.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Tarlac safely captured the approximately 8-kilogram snake and coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Tarlac for its proper turnover.
PENRO Tarlac Chief Jowell Dellosa said the sighting may be linked to increased wildlife movement during the rainy season, when flooding and changing environmental conditions can force wild animals such as pythons to move closer to human settlements in search of suitable habitat.
Following its rescue, the python was transported to Clark Safari in Pampanga, a DENR-accredited wildlife rescue facility, where it will undergo assessment and receive appropriate care.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo urged the public to immediately report sightings of wild animals to local authorities or the nearest DENR office and avoid approaching or attempting to capture them.
Pablo said trained personnel should handle wildlife to prevent injuries and unnecessary stress to the animals while ensuring public safety.
Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
The reticulated python is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, its conservation status does not mean that encounters with the species are without risk, particularly when the animal is stressed or threatened.
DENR officials said the safe rescue and turnover of the python highlight the importance of coordinated action among communities and government agencies in protecting both people and wildlife.
The public is reminded to keep a safe distance from wild animals and seek assistance from authorities for their proper handling and disposition.