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Terrifying Python Attack in Indonesia: Grandmother Swallowed Whole
In a gruesome incident highlighting the dangers of human-wildlife conflict in Indonesia, a family in South Sulawesi discovered their missing grandmother had been swallowed whole by a massive python. The horrifying discovery was made after the family tracked down a large, distended serpent in dense foliage, realizing with dread that the enormous bulge in the reptile’s stomach contained their loved one, marking another tragic fatal snake attack in the region.
Search for Missing Woman Leads to Horrific Discovery
The distressing ordeal unfolded yesterday afternoon when the family of 66-year-old Hasia grew anxious after she did not return from her work at a rubber plantation. A search was initiated, leading them to a patch of thick undergrowth where they encountered a 26ft python exhibiting a conspicuously inflated abdomen.
Locals Find Distended Python and Confirm Worst Fears
Local residents immediately suspected the worst upon observing the serpent’s unusually large stomach. Driven by their mounting fears, they made the grim decision to cut open the snake. Inside, they were met with the appalling sight of Hasia’s body, confirming their suspicions that she had been consumed whole by the giant reptile.
Details of the Python Attack Emerge
Reports suggest the python likely ambushed Hasia from the tall grass, initially seizing her leg and causing her to fall. Despite her struggle to break free from the snake’s powerful grip, she was ultimately suffocated and swallowed whole. Her son, Nurdin, recounted the family’s escalating worry as his mother failed to return home as evening approached.
Family’s Despair and Community Concerns
Nurdin described the agonizing search that began when Hasia didn’t return by nightfall. The family scoured the rubber plantation, eventually finding the motionless python at approximately 9 pm. The subsequent discovery of Hasia’s body inside the snake plunged the family into deep sorrow.
“At first we were worried because she didn’t come home, even in the afternoon,” Nurdin stated, reflecting on their initial concerns of her being lost or injured. “Then we looked for her in the plantation until around 9 pm, when we found a large python lying still on the grass. This was devastating. I know it was a painful death for my mother. Even though the snake is dead, it is no consolation. It will never bring her back. Now, we are saying prayers for her to be at peace.”
Funeral Arrangements and Police Warning
Hasia’s body has been recovered by the family for funeral preparations, conducted according to Islamic traditions. Ipda Zakaria, the Pitu Riase Police Chief, confirmed the incident, stating, “Currently, the victim is at the funeral home.”
In light of this tragedy, Police Chief Zakaria issued a warning to the community: “Due to this incident, we are urging residents to be more careful when traveling through the plantation area, because it is known to be inhabited by large pythons. They are aggressive and will attack humans, because it is an easy food source for them.”
Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict in Indonesia
Indonesia’s dense forests are home to a significant python population, with abundant food sources contributing to their considerable size. However, increased urbanization and the expansion of palm oil farms and rubber plantations are increasingly bringing humans into conflict with these giant snakes.
Similar Incidents Highlight Danger
This tragic event follows a similar incident last year where locals discovered the body of an Indonesian farmer inside a 23ft python. The farmer, Peco, 30, was collecting sap in a palm plantation in North Luwu Regency when he was attacked, crushed, and swallowed whole by the reptile.
Peco’s brother-in-law, Wawan, initiated a search when he didn’t return home. Wawan located the python with a swollen abdomen and alerted village leaders. Upon cutting open the snake, they found Peco’s remains.
Wawan recounted, “We used to joke that we could be eaten by a snake at night. They are a danger that everyone knows about. I cannot explain how my brother was caught by one. He was very experienced.”