Four pythons have been rescued over the past week in Moulvibazar’s Sreemangal.
These large reptiles were rescued from Noagaon and Ichbapur of the upazila.
In the latest incident on Friday, farm labourers spotted a large python while harvesting rice in a paddy field in Noagaon’s Fakirbari area.
Responding to the call, Bangladesh Wildlife Service Foundation director Swapan Dev Sajal, along with environmental activists Rajdeep Dev Dip and Ridon Gour, rescued the python unharmed and handed it over to the Sreemangal Forest Department’s range office.
Moulvibazar Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Department officer Mirza Mehedi Sorowar said pythons often move in search of basic needs such as water and food.
“They do not always find sufficient prey in the same area. In tea gardens, for example, rabbits and other small animals live near streams and water channels, so pythons may travel there for food. After eating once, a python can survive for 15 days to a month without another meal. It is now winter, and the fruits they rely on are not available.
When food becomes scarce, they naturally begin roaming further afield. Their movement largely depends on the season,” he added.
Local sources said three more pythons had been rescued from Noagaon and Ichbapur over the past week.
Swapan Dev Sajal said pythons often move towards warmer areas during winter.
“With decreasing habitat and limited food availability, large snakes like pythons tend to leave forest zones and enter nearby villages. These pythons are not aggressive towards humans, and there is no danger if they are handled properly,” he said.
Wildlife expert Professor Kamrul Hasan said wetland filling, shrinking vegetation and the deterioration of forested belts have disrupted wildlife movement.
“Pythons and many other species are now forced to approach human settlements. It is a clear sign of habitat stress,” he said.
Villager Mofiz Ali said frequent sightings have made residents anxious.
“We see pythons almost regularly now. We’re scared, but we inform rescue teams immediately when we spot one,” he said.
