Huge python found trapped in net at Saint Martin's Island

A massive python has been caught after getting trapped in a net at Saint Martin's Island, the only coral island of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. The incident took place around 8:00 am on Friday, June 5, in the Ward 9 area of South Saint Martin's, sparking widespread curiosity and excitement across the island.

Local sources said the python got trapped in the net of a chilli field in the yard of Musa Ali, a resident of South Saint Martin's. He spotted the huge snake in the net while visiting his field in the morning and later rescued it alive with the help of locals.

Musa Ali said the snake is at least 15 feet long and weighs around 20-25 kg. He estimated its age to be around 3 to 5 years. The python is still alive.

The snake had reportedly been roaming in the local keora garden and surrounding bushes for a long time. Although locals had occasionally spotted it, it would always hide again. On Friday morning, it was found trapped in the chilli net.

Locals said the snake's large size has caused both fear and fascination among island residents. It is currently being kept safely in the homeowner's custody.

There is speculation about how the python arrived on the island. Saint Martin's is located only 8 kilometres west of the Myanmar coast. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall in Myanmar's hilly areas causes strong currents in the Naf, Mayu and Kaladan rivers, bringing floating debris including trees and bamboo to the shores of Saint Martin's.

Environmental department officials said the python will be handed over to the authorities once they arrive at the scene, and necessary measures will be taken for its safe conservation or release in a suitable location.

Saint Martin's Island is Bangladesh's only coral island, rich in biodiversity. The discovery of such a large python on the island is considered a rare event.