On December 11, three pythons, weighing between 6 and 37 kg, were found in residents' gardens in Ky Khang and Duc Dong communes, Ha Tinh province. Homeowners successfully captured the reptiles and subsequently handed them over to local forest rangers.

Tran Duc Minh, a resident of Tien Thanh hamlet, Ky Khang commune (formerly Ky Anh district), discovered a python coiled in his backyard garden and secured it in a metal cage before notifying authorities. Forest rangers examined the python, identifying it as an Indian python weighing 37 kg, measuring approximately 5 m in length, and over 25 cm in body diameter.

The python was caged by Minh's family. Photo: Hung Le.

The day before, Nguyen Van Thuyet's family in Tan Thanh hamlet, Duc Dong commune (formerly Duc Tho district), also captured two pythons, each weighing about 6 kg, after they entered their garden.

After being informed that pythons are rare and endangered animals, both Minh and Thuyet's families promptly handed the creatures over to local forest rangers. On the morning of December 11, the rangers contacted Vu Quang National Park to receive the three pythons, which are now being prepared for release back into their natural habitat.

According to authorities, the homes of Minh and Thuyet are situated close to the base of the mountains, suggesting the pythons likely descended from the forest into the gardens in search of prey. As of now, authorities have not received any reports of lost livestock or poultry from local households.

Forest rangers receiving the python at Minh's home in Ky Khang commune, on the morning of December 11. Video: Hung Le.

The Indian python (Python molurus) is classified under Group IIB of endangered and rare forest animals in the Vietnam Red Book of Animals. These pythons primarily prey on rodents, deer, birds, frogs, and other reptiles. The species' population is currently declining due to habitat loss and poaching.

Duc Hung