Giant python halts traffic on Agra-Mathura Highway; rescued

New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) A 13-foot-long python brought traffic to a standstill on one of the busiest highways -- the National Highway-2 between Agra and Mathura on Friday night.

"It took two hours to rescue it," said a rescuer from Wildlife SOS.

The python, that weighted about 26 kg, was crossing the road near Sherjang Baba ki Dargah on the Agra-Mathura freeway, causing panic among commuters. While some commuters tried to make it move, the python took shelter in a freshly dug hole beside the road.

"The highway is currently undergoing expansion which has restricted the movement of wildlife in the area and often forces them to wander onto the busy roads," said Baiju Raj M.V., Director Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS.

Co-founder Wildlife SOS, Kartick Satyanarayan cautioned people to not try and engage with larger reptiles.

"Although non-venomous, a python's bite can be injurious so one has to be careful while carrying out such rescue operations," Satyanarayan said.