IMPHAL, February 17: A python rescued by two individuals from the backyard of Omega School, Motbung yesterday, turned out to be venomous Rusell Viper.
According to a press note from People for Animals (PFA) Manipur, the python was rescued by Choilen Khongsai and Thangjam Mang Sithou. The slow moving snake which was seemed weak due to hibernation looked like python to the duo as the pattern of Russell viper is similar to that of python. They heard python is non venomous.
Concerned on conserving python listed in schedule of WLPA, the duo caught the reptile with the help of a stick and informed to a staff of Saparmeina
Police Station who relayed the news to Inspector L. Lhouvum, OC of the police station.
He took advice from Addl SP Kangpokpi, who passed the information to Chief Wildlife Warden Manipur.
The press note said CWW constituted a rescue team comprising of members from PFA Manipur and staffs from State Zoological Garden. The team went to Saparmeina.
On the way, the Inspector sent a picture of the snake to PFA through Whatsapp.
The rescue team was amazed and worried as the snake was not a python but a Rusell Viper.
Immediately, the rescue team informed the Inspector not to let anyone handle the snake. Rusell Viper is one of the most venomous snakes. Most of its attack is fatal.
The combined rescue team brought the injured and weak Viper to PFA Manipur’s animal shelter for treatment and relocation.
It was one of the biggest rescue missions initiated by multiple agencies, it added.