Agra (UP), July 13 (NVI) A critically injured python, entangled in discarded plastic waste, and a wolf snake trapped inside a washing machine, have been rescued by a wildlife NGO in Agra in Uttar Pradesh.
The Wildlife SOS said its Rapid Response Unit carried out two unusual reptile rescues from the Sikandra area in Agra.
In one case, an eight-foot Indian rock python was critically injured after getting entangled in discarded telephone wire and plastic waste.
In another case, an Indian wolf snake was trapped inside a washing machine.
“Together, the incidents underscore how unmanaged waste and growing urbanisation are increasingly putting wildlife at risk,” the NGO said.
The python had become dangerously entangled in discarded telephone wire and a plastic bottle, both carelessly dumped near a forested area in Sikandra, Agra.
The severely-injured snake was found barely able to move, with each struggle, the wire cut deeper into the snake’s body.
The python was swiftly extricated by the Wildlife SOS team and shifted to Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF), where veterinarians surgically removed the embedded wire and freed the python from the plastic bottle.
Radiographic examination confirmed no skeletal injuries.
The snake remains under intensive veterinary care and will be released once fully recovered, the Wildlife SOS said.
Rajesh Kumar, IFS, DFO Agra & Deputy Conservator of Forests, National Chambal Sanctuary Project, said, “When garbage accumulates, wildlife pays the price. This python’s near-fatal entanglement is a direct result of irresponsible waste disposal in areas bordering critical habitats. Swift action by Wildlife SOS, assisting the Forest Department, saved the python’s life — but prevention is the only lasting solution.”
In a separate case, residents of a housing colony in Sikandra contacted the Wildlife SOS helpline number after spotting an Indian wolf snake taking shelter inside their washing machine.
The rescue team carefully dismantled the washing machine and safely rescued the snake. The reptile was found unharmed and was released into a suitable habitat.
Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, the Indian rock python (Python molurus) receives the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, said, “Wild animals are increasingly paying the price for human negligence. Something as ordinary as a discarded plastic bottle or a piece of wire can become a deadly trap when waste is dumped near natural habitats. Protecting wildlife begins with simple actions such as responsible waste disposal and keeping our shared landscapes free of hazardous litter.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS, added, “Every rescue reminds us that wildlife is adapting to landscapes that are becoming increasingly dominated by people. Garbage dumped near forests does not just harm the environment, it kills wildlife.”
Baiju Raj M.V., Director – Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said, “Snakes are vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems by naturally controlling rodent populations. When they are injured or trapped in human spaces, the safest course of action is to leave them undisturbed and call trained rescue teams so they can be handled without risk to people or the animal.”
Dr. S. Ilayaraja, Deputy Director – Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, said, “When the python arrived, the wire had cut through its skin and the reptile was in severe respiratory distress. Removing the entanglement and cleaning the wounds were the immediate priority. The radiographic examination was reassuring, there is no skeletal damage, but the wounds are deep and will require consistent daily care before it can be safely released.” (NVI)
