A 44-year-old woman in Indonesia tragically lost her life after being attacked and swallowed by a massive 7.8-metre python while tending to chores near her home.
The incident took place in North Maluku on June 9 and has once again highlighted the dangers residents in certain rural areas face from large wild reptiles.
Despite a desperate rescue attempt by her husband, the woman could not be saved.
Husband Became Concerned After Wife Failed To Return Home
The victim, identified as Elisabet Yamalau, had reportedly left home at around 3.20pm to move the family’s cow from a nearby garden.
The garden was located only about 300 metres away from their residence.
However, after several hours had passed without her returning, her husband, Benyamin Lanto, began to worry and decided to search for her himself.
When he arrived at the garden, he made a horrifying discovery.
Instead of finding his wife, he encountered an enormous python in the middle of swallowing her.
Husband Tried To Save Wife By Cutting Snake’s Head
According to local authorities, Mr Lanto immediately attempted to rescue his wife using whatever tools he had available.
He reportedly cut off the snake’s head in an effort to stop the attack.
However, by the time he managed to free her body from the reptile’s grip, she was already unresponsive.
Authorities later confirmed that she had died at the scene.
Police said Mr Lanto subsequently sought help from nearby villagers at around 9pm to recover and transport her body back home for funeral arrangements.
Police Urge Residents To Remain Vigilant
Following the tragedy, police reminded residents to exercise extreme caution when entering gardens, plantations and forested areas.
Officials also encouraged members of the public to immediately report sightings of dangerous wildlife.
Authorities warned that extra vigilance is especially important during rainy periods, when wild animals may become more active or venture closer to residential areas in search of food.
Python Encounters Are Not Uncommon In Indonesia
Indonesia is home to some of the world’s largest pythons, including reticulated pythons, which are known to inhabit forests, plantations and rural communities.
Although attacks on humans are rare, several fatal incidents have been reported in recent years, particularly in remote regions where people regularly work alone in agricultural areas.
Experts advise residents to avoid travelling alone into dense vegetation and to remain alert for signs of wildlife activity.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder that even routine daily tasks can become dangerous in areas where humans and large predators coexist closely.