A massive 16ft python was caught after attacking a soldier in India.

The mammoth serpent slithered into the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) 12-15th camp and tired to pounce on the female troop Simran Gupta while she was on duty in Supaul town, Bihar state, on November 20.

The shocked soldier said she turned upon hearing a loud hissing noise - only to find the gargantuan snake approaching her. She screamed, alerting the other officers to the snake's presence.

Forestry officers later arrived to catch the python, which was released into the woods in Kataiya town.

Forest ranger Ajay Kumar Thakur said: 'Immediately after receiving the report, the forest department personnel reached the BSAP camp and captured the 16ft python, which is believed to be 15 years old. There are many pythons in this area, but there is no need to panic. People should inform authorities if they ever encounter one.'

India is home to two species of pythons: the Indian rock python and the reticulated python. These non-venomous snakes are found in diverse habitats, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and even near human settlements. Both species are protected under India's Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, due to their ecological importance and vulnerability to threats like habitat loss and poaching.

The reticulated python is one of the largest snake species in the world, known for the striking, net-like pattern on its scales. Found across South and Southeast Asia, it inhabits rainforests, wetlands, and agricultural areas. It faces threats from habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.