A late night in Pattaya, Thailand, took a frightening twist when startled residents found a massive, 13-foot snake in a residential neighborhood, Pattaya Mail reported.
Thankfully, the night ended safely for both local residents and the snake, as firefighters removed the reptile from the area.
Here's what to know
After residents reported the snake, Pattaya City Fire Station sent an inspection vehicle to Suan Lalana Village in Jomtien at about 10:30 pm, according to Pattaya Mail.
Upon their arrival, responders noted that the animal's belly looked distinctly swollen, suggesting a recent meal. Authorities did not identify what the snake may have eaten. Responders captured the animal and removed it from the residential area.
Officials used the situation to remind people not to try handling snakes themselves and to warn the public that a frightened reptile may react unpredictably.
More background
With human development increasingly encroaching on wildlife habitats, human-wildlife encounters have been on the rise. Sometimes, these encounters can lead to conflict.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) can occur when humans encounter or interact with wild animals in an unwanted or unsafe way," according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
"It has become more common for people to be 'living with wildlife' as communities grow along the urban-wildlands interface and wildlife look for limited resources such as food, water, and habitat," the website continued.
Research into why wild animals attack humans has examined how human activity often plays a major role in bringing people and wildlife into closer contact, increasing the potential for conflict.
What can be done?
Although animal attacks on humans are relatively rare, they tend to attract a lot of attention when they do happen. This can lead people to believe that such attacks are more prevalent than they really are.
Experts say to exercise extreme caution around wildlife by giving animals as much distance as possible. Additionally, keeping pets on leashes and children close at hand can help reduce the risk of danger to everyone involved, including wildlife.
Where can I learn more?
These stories look at snake encounters in Thailand, Florida, Bangladesh, India, and Pennsylvania.
• In Chiang Mai, a homeowner found a snake under a stone and sparked urgent ID efforts.
• In Florida, firefighters answered calls after Burmese pythons turned up inside residents' homes.
• In Dhaka, rescuers warned that snakes frequently sneak into growing human settlements.
• In Telangana, an Indian cobra found inside a grandparents' house was bagged for relocation.
• In Pennsylvania, rescuers moved a massive snake slithering across a busy street.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
