A 12-foot-long Burmese python was recently rescued from the Chittagong University (CU) campus, adding to a growing trend of snake sightings in the area that has concerned both students and wildlife experts. The snake was discovered trapped in the iron grill of the Social Science Research Center, drawing attention from students and staff. A swift response from students of the Department of Zoology and researchers at the Venom Research Center ensured the snake was safely extracted.
Following the rescue operation, the python was released into a nearby forest located next to the Faculty of Biological Sciences, a common practice adopted by the university to return wildlife to their natural environment while ensuring campus safety. The python, which weighed approximately 18 kilograms, was confirmed to be a non-venomous species. Experts note that Burmese pythons are typically not aggressive and pose little to no threat to humans unless provoked.
According to Abdur Razzak, a security official at CU, the snake likely entered the campus buildings in search of food or shelter, a pattern that reflects a broader environmental issue. He pointed out that wild animals, including snakes, are increasingly appearing in human habitats due to shrinking natural environments caused by deforestation and urban encroachment.
Rafiqul Islam, a trainee researcher from the Venom Research Center, emphasized the importance of handling such wildlife encounters responsibly. “We ensured the python was not harmed during the rescue. It was safely relocated deep into the forest where it can thrive in a suitable habitat,” he said.
This incident is not isolated. Over the past ten years, CU has witnessed the rescue of at least 20 Burmese pythons from various locations around the campus. The trend has raised concerns about the changing dynamics of wildlife movement, with university authorities and wildlife experts pointing to habitat loss as the core issue.
Zohra Mila, a wildlife specialist, explained that deforestation, particularly in hilly and forested areas near the university, has left many animals displaced and desperate. “These snakes are not invading our space—we’re shrinking theirs. When forests are cleared and hills are razed, snakes and other wildlife are forced to move into human spaces in search of food and safety,” she noted.
Environmentalists view the recurring presence of snakes on university grounds not as isolated incidents, but as ecological indicators. The imbalance suggests a pressing need for sustainable environmental management, particularly in areas close to wildlife habitats.
Experts and conservationists are now urging local authorities, forest departments, and educational institutions to take proactive measures. These may include habitat restoration, safe zones for wildlife, and awareness campaigns for students and residents on how to respond safely when encountering wild animals.
The university administration has so far worked in collaboration with biological research teams to manage such cases without harming the animals or endangering human lives. However, the frequency of sightings has prompted calls for more long-term ecological solutions rather than reactive measures.
The python rescue, while successfully executed, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and nature—a balance that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain in rapidly changing environments like that of Chittagong.
