The mystery behind the disappearance of several chickens from a coop in India has been solved after a giant python was found hiding inside the enclosure, 24NewsHD TV reported.
According to Indian media reports, the python was discovered in a village in Kerala’s Malappuram district after several chickens went missing from a shed in Thottakkam.
The huge snake was spotted when a resident, Seethalavi, went to feed his local chickens.
He found three chickens badly injured, while another was dead.
One more chicken was found struggling after being attacked by the python.
The python had apparently swallowed a chicken and then hidden in a corner of the shed.
The family immediately alerted rescue workers.
When the rescuers approached the snake, it regurgitated the swallowed chicken.
The python was then safely captured and handed over to the forest range office.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among residents living near forested areas, where pythons and other snakes occasionally enter human settlements in search of food.
Forest officials and wildlife rescuers have advised residents to strengthen chicken coops and livestock enclosures to prevent snakes from entering.