A juvenile reticulated python was caught along the roadside near a bamboo tree in a village in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

The snake was captured by a resident on Monday, August 10, 2025, who asked to be identified only as “Rommer.”

He placed it inside a large mineral water container and later gave it to a friend on Wednesday, August 13, believing the latter was capable of caring for it.

“May mga nagsabi na pakawalan ko na lang daw, eh baka mas delikado naman buhay niya nung ahas. Kaya ginawa ko, naghanap ako ng handler na marunong mag-alaga ng ahas. Hindi ko kasi maasikaso dalhin sa DENR para sila na lang ang bahala kung ano ang mas magandang gawin,” Rommer said.

According to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Sta. Barbara, snakes often appear in residential areas after flooding.

The office urged residents to report sightings or captures of snakes to their office immediately. They said harming or killing wildlife is punishable under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No. 9147).

“Pwede silang makulong, imprisonment of a minimum of 6 years to 1 day to 12 years or fine of ₱100,000 to ₱1 million. At least sa atin po maging knowledgeable po iyong bawat isa na, syempre, thru the enforcement po ng laws natin na kailangan sundin naman natin,” Cheryl Carreon, Environmental Management Specialist III of MENRO-Sta. Barbara, said.

“Para mapangalagaan hindi lang iyong buhay ng mga hayop tulad ng ahas, owls, ganoon po, kundi pangalagaan din natin mismo iyong buhay natin,” she added.

The agency added that keeping exotic animals is possible but requires thorough evaluation and a proper permit.

They encouraged the person currently caring for the python to turn it over to their office for proper handling.