Seven-Meter-Long Python Caught By Local Residents

Bengkulu (Antara Bali) - Local residents of Bengkulu, a province in Sumatra Island, have caught  a python that was  seven meters long with a body  diameter of 25 centimeters.

"We succeeded in catching  the python after it almost devoured a goat belonging to  local resident," said Dartim, one of the men  who caught the snake in Bengkulu, Tuesday.

He said the female Python weighed about 60 kilograms and its age was estimated at seven years old.

"We caught the Python when it already had the head of goat in between its jaws. The goat belonged to Buyung (38), a resident  who was working  in rubber and oil palm plantation," said Dartim.

The goat's head had to be pulled out from the Python's  beak and was thus saved.

Dozens of residents had chased and tried to catch the Python, and they succeeded, while a sack had been prepared to keep the snake.

The reptile then was put on display and anybody wishing to see it from close quarters was charged Rp 1,000 per person.

"We put the python in a place surrounded by a fence in order to protect the viewers' safety. We also keep it from heat by pouring water on it constantly," he said.

Dartim said, he had been trying to sell the python for Rp95,000  per meter of its length, but it was rejected  by  reptile lovers because it was too long and difficult to keep.

"I want  to sell the python so that the money can be distributed to the snake catchers," said Dartim.

But he said the main reason why the people had caught the python was prevent it from preying on their cattle.(T007)