TACLOBAN CITY — Wildlife authorities in Ormoc City have rescued two reticulated pythons found in residential areas of Barangay Punta.
City officials said the snakes were turned over to the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) for proper handling and assessment following separate rescue operations by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The first python was rescued on January 17 after a resident along Apitong Street reported seeing the snake on her ceiling. ENRO records showed the python measured 10.17 feet long and weighed 10.5 kilograms. Examinations revealed it had ingested a young dog and suffered an eye injury. The reptile later regurgitated the dog on January 20 and underwent eye surgery a day later. It is currently under observation at the Ormoc Wildlife Rescue Center in Barangay Dolores and is expected to be released back into the wild after a 10-day recovery period, upon veterinary clearance.
In a separate incident on January 21, another reticulated python was rescued from the ceiling of a house at Sacay Compound, also in Barangay Punta. Measuring 11.2 feet long and weighing 10.5 kilograms, the second snake was examined by the City Veterinary Office and declared fit for immediate release into its natural habitat.
City officials stressed the importance of promptly reporting wildlife sightings and maintaining close coordination among residents and response agencies to ensure both public safety and wildlife conservation. They reminded the public to immediately alert authorities when wild animals are spotted in residential areas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
