A group of locals manage to catch a huge 17-foot-long python suspected of preying on livestock in Muaro Palupuh, West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Footage from March 7 shows the locals attempting to catch the snake that was suspected of eating chickens, goats and pet dogs in the nearby area.

Once they caught the python it was handed over to wildlife officials who then released the reptile back into the wild away from the village.

The 17-foot-long python was arrested after being suspected of preying on livestock in Indonesia.

Footage filmed in the rice fields of Muaro Palupuh village, Agam district, West Sumatra province, yesterday (Monday, March 7), shows locals finding snakes hiding in bushes.

Some people tried to trap the snake's head with a rope but failed.

The python had time to escape, but the protruding belly of the prey made it easy to catch.

Residents tied the snake's head, then took it to the village.

Eka Koto, who filmed the footage, said residents around the location had lost livestock such as chickens, young goats and pet dogs.

“The snake was seen the day before by a farmer while going to the fields. The farmer informed the residents, and the next day the residents found this snake which was thought to have preyed on the missing cattle. Especially when the snake was found to have a big belly,” Eka said.

According to Eka, the 17-foot-long python was handed over to reptile lovers in Bukittinggi city to be released into its habitat far from settlements.