BETONG – A python was successfully captured by the Betong District Civil Defence Force (APM Betong) after it was discovered inside a chicken coop on 17 April 2026.
The incident, which caused concern to the owner, prompted an urgent call to the APM Betong Operations Room at 11.15 am.
Four members of the civil defence team were immediately dispatched to the site. Upon arrival, they found the batik python still inside the coop, entangled with a chicken.
The reptile had attempted to prey on the bird but had not yet swallowed it when the officers intervened.
Using a snaring technique, the team managed to secure the four-foot-long snake without causing harm to the animal or further distress to the livestock.
The python was later removed from the premises and will be released back into its natural habitat, ensuring that it does not pose a threat to residents or domestic animals in the area.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in Sarawak, where encounters with wildlife are not uncommon.
Pythons, particularly the batik python species, are known to inhabit areas close to human settlements and often target poultry as a food source.
While such snakes are not typically aggressive towards humans, their presence can cause alarm, especially when livestock is threatened.
Authorities have reminded the public to remain calm and seek professional assistance when dealing with wildlife intrusions.
The APM Betong team emphasised that attempting to handle snakes without proper training and equipment can be dangerous.
Their swift response in this case prevented potential harm and ensured the safe relocation of the animal.
Wildlife experts note that pythons play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling populations of smaller animals.
However, when they enter human spaces, intervention is necessary to balance safety with conservation.
The release of the python back into its habitat reflects ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity while maintaining public order.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of wildlife encounters reported across Sarawak, where expanding settlements and agricultural activity often bring humans and animals into closer contact.
Civil defence and wildlife authorities continue to work together to manage these situations responsibly, ensuring that both community safety and ecological preservation are upheld.
