BULACAN — Two young vendors helped return a juvenile reticulated python to the wild after voluntarily turning over the reptile to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), officials said.

The snake was found while the vendors were selling their goods near Living Angels Christian Academy in Barangay Sto. Cristo.

Instead of keeping or harming the reptile, the vendors sought assistance from the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Baliwag, allowing wildlife enforcement officers to rescue and assess the animal.

CENRO Baliwag head Dennis Vergara said the juvenile reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) was healthy, active and free from injuries after a physical examination.

The snake measured 2.32 feet (71 centimeters) long and weighed 132 grams, Vergara said. It was later transported to Biak-na-Bato National Park, where it was released into its natural habitat.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the vendors for their actions, saying community participation plays an important role in wildlife conservation.

“This demonstrates how ordinary citizens can make a significant contribution to wildlife conservation,” Pablo said. “We commend these young vendors for choosing to protect the animal and coordinate with the DENR. Their action helped ensure the safety of both the community and the python.”

The DENR urged the public to report sightings of wild animals to the nearest DENR office or local authorities instead of attempting to capture, keep or harm them.

The agency also reminded the public that the collection, hunting, possession, transport and trade of wildlife without the required permits are prohibited under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

Photos courtesy of DENR Central Luzon