For people raising livestock to feed and support their families, it can be difficult to show compassion for wildlife that has killed some of your animals.
However, villagers in India reacted differently after a large Indian rock python swallowed six ducks. Rather than attacking the snake, the villagers instead called rescuers, who safely removed the python and returned it to its natural habitat.
The python was later released unharmed along the banks of the Dibru River.
Here's what to know
The incident took place in Takouni village in Assam's Tinsukia district, an area overseen by the Doomdooma Forest Division, according to Northeast Now.
After discovering the python, local residents contacted the appropriate authorities rather than taking action themselves.
Wildlife conservationist Devajit Moran said the villagers' response was worthy of recognition.
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"Although the python had consumed six ducks, the villagers chose compassion over retaliation and immediately informed us," he said, per Northeast Now. "We are grateful to the people of Takouni for their exemplary support."
"Such public awareness and cooperation are indispensable for the protection of wildlife and the conservation of our natural heritage," he added.
More background
The snake was an Indian rock python, which is protected under India's Wildlife (Protection) Act. These pythons regularly wander into villages near forests and wetlands in search of easy prey, including ducks and other poultry.
The Indian rock python is non-venomous, and it plays an important ecological role by keeping rodents and other small animals in check, according to Northeast Now.
As BBC Future has reported in exploring why wild animals attack humans, expanding human developments have increased the areas of overlap between people and wildlife. This can intensify conflict even when an animal is simply performing natural tasks like searching for food.
As Moran, the wildlife conservationist, pointed out, there are easy steps that one can take to protect the safety of both people and animals.
"We urge people to immediately inform trained rescuers or the Forest Department whenever wild animals enter human settlements," he said, as quoted by Northeast News. "Every rescue made without conflict is a victory for conservation and demonstrates that humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully."
Where can I learn more?
Recent snake encounters show how often pythons and other reptiles end up near people and livestock. These stories range from python rescues in Malaysia and Singapore to rising snake activity in India and an unusual feeding event in Bangladesh.
• In Jitra, Malaysia, rescuers captured a bloated python after it swallowed a goat.
• In Singapore, park contractors pulled a massive python from a drain after workers spotted it.
• Across India, rising temperatures are worsening snakebite risks and straining public health systems.
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