North Sumatra River Blocked by Hunt for Killer Python

Jakarta Globe 28 Mar 10;

Medan. Residents living on the banks of the Tembung River in Deli Serdang district, North Sumatra, have closed access to the waterway as they hunt for a 7-meter-long python that strangled a teenager and then attempted to devour his body last week.

Access to a number of tunnels where the snake is believed to be hiding, allegedly created by textile company PT Panca Pinang to serve as waste dumps, has been restricted.

Residents have also burned vegetation around the tunnel over the last week to make the killer reptile easier to spot.

Andi, a local resident, said the blockade was necessary to protect people who came to catch a glimpse of the predator.

“We did not charge people who came here any money because it can be considered to be charging illegal fees,” said Andi. “Besides, the blockade is only temporary."

Despite the snake attack and reports of two other large snakes in the area, housewives and teenage girls living on the riverbanks bathed and washed their clothes in the river as usual.

Some of the housewives said that they were not afraid of the presence of the giant snake in the river.

Most of those involved in the search, as well as a number of visitors, believe the snake was still hiding inside the tunnels.

Junior high school student Mohammed Zakaria was strangled to death by the 7-meter python as he swam in the river on March 21.

The victim was swimming with three of his friends in the river when the snake reportedly emerged from a hole in the river­bank. Zakaria could not muster the strength to escape though his friends managed to save themselves, they said.

Zakaria was killed and was “almost swallowed,” according to residents.

Antara