What attracts pythons to residential areas in Besut?

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Factors Attracting Pythons to Besut Residential Areas Identified

A 130kg reticulated python, measuring five metres in length, was captured behind a resident's house in Kampung Batu 13, Besut, on a recent Saturday. Authorities believe the reptile, the 19th such capture by the Besut Civil Defence Force that month, originated from a nearby oil palm plantation. The snake was reportedly attracted to the livestock present in the residential vicinity.
Livestock as a Food Source

The presence of domestic animals, such as chickens or other small livestock, is a significant attractant for reticulated pythons. These snakes are opportunistic predators, and a readily available food source in close proximity to human dwellings can draw them out of their natural habitats. The captured python in Besut is believed to have been drawn to the area specifically because of the livestock.
Proximity to Natural Habitats

Reticulated pythons are native to Southeast Asia and are often found in habitats such as forests, woodlands, and grasslands. When these natural environments, like the oil palm plantation near Kampung Batu 13, are encroached upon or are in close proximity to residential areas, encounters between humans and snakes become more common. The plantation likely serves as a transitional zone, allowing the snake to move between its natural environment and areas with potential prey.
General Behaviour of Reticulated Pythons

Reticulated pythons are known for their ability to adapt to various environments, including those that have been modified by human activity. They are primarily nocturnal hunters, which means they are more active during the night. Their diet typically consists of mammals, including rodents, birds, and occasionally larger prey like pigs or monkeys, depending on availability. When food is scarce in their natural habitat, or when an easy meal is detected nearby, they may venture into human-populated areas.

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What attracts pythons to residential areas in Besut?

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