Giant Python in Davao Oriental Captured After Eating Farmer’s Pig
A giant python in Caraga, Davao Oriental, was caught after eating a farmer’s hog, leaving it stuck in its belly.
A farmer was shocked when he found his only pig missing. At first, he thought someone had stolen it, as there was an empty sack left behind. However, upon closer inspection, the sack turned out to be a massive python with a noticeably full belly.
Ferdinand Burgos, the hog owner, discovered the snake still inside the pig’s pen, unable to move after its heavy meal. He was shocked upon realizing that his only pig had been swallowed whole.
“Nagulat lang ako na ‘yung baboy, kinain na. Malungkot, sir, kasi wala na akong pakainin,” he said.
According to him, animals had been disappearing in the area before, particularly chickens, but this was the first time the snake had targeted a pig.
Because the python had eaten such a large animal, it could no longer escape the pen. This made it easy for Burgos and the other residents to catch it. Without wasting time, they contacted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Caraga to handle the situation.
Although Burgos hoped to save his pig, it was too late. However, authorities assured him that they would provide a replacement for his lost livestock.
Experts identified the snake as a reticulated python. Herpetologist Jazz Ong explained how pythons hunt their prey. They first constrict their victim, cutting off its blood circulation. Once the prey is weak or lifeless, the snake swallows it whole.
Pythons can consume animals much larger than their heads because of the flexible tissues between their skull and lower jaw. This allows them to stretch their mouths wide enough to gulp down big prey.
Burgos was relieved that the snake was captured before it could cause more trouble, despite the loss of his pig.
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In another post, a dog cries while sharing enclosure w/ giant python