Tragic incident in Indonesia: woman devoured by python

Drama on an Indonesian island, where a missing woman was recently eaten by a reticulated python. Her husband and the villagers found her body in that of the reptile

A recent incident in Indonesia has left many in shock. A woman in her fifties was devoured by a python after she went missing following a trip out of her home.

Immediate search and discovery

Her disappearance was reported immediately. The woman’s husband alerted their neighbors and residents of the village of Kalempang, located on the island of Sulawesi, where the family lived. Despite their efforts, the search was initially fruitless. The following day, however, brought a tragic discovery.

A large snake with a swollen body was spotted in the area. The locals captured and killed the reptile, suspecting what might have occurred. The animal had attacked and swallowed the woman.

Her body, still fully clothed, was extracted from the snake, which is believed to have been a reticulated python. This species, scientifically known as Malayopython reticulatus, is primarily found in Asian regions, where it hunts by camouflaging itself among the vegetation.

Characteristics of the reticulated python

These reptiles can reach remarkable sizes, exceeding 20 feet in length. The python that killed the woman in Kalempang was reported to be over 16 feet long. The victim was laid to rest in a dedicated ceremony.

Rare but notable attacks

Pythons are known to prey on variously sized animals, and although rare, there have been recorded cases of attacks on humans. Such incidents are often attributed to habitat loss, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts.

Previous incidents

This is not an isolated case in Indonesia. Last year, a farmer was swallowed by a snake in the Tinanggea district of Southeast Sulawesi. Years prior, another woman met the same grim fate on the same island.