This is the nerve-wracking moment a farmer saved a rabbit from being eaten alive by a python.

The man was shocked to see his animal being strangled by the hungry snake in Ang Thong, Thailand, on March 13.

Footage shows the owner using a metal pole to pin down the head of the reptile while he removed the rabbit from its grasp.

It took him a while to free the furry creature as the snake was tightly coiled around its body.

Moments later, the reptile released its grip and was trapped by the owner in a cage.

None of the rabbits were seriously injured or were eaten.

The farmer said: 'The snake was strong and refused to let go, so I had to untie the snake from the rabbit.'

The reticulated python is found throughout Southeast Asia, where they live in forests, swamps, canals and even in cities, causing them to come into conflict with humans.

The species is one of the world's largest snakes and can eat humans, cats, dogs, birds, rats and other snakes.