Police in central Vietnam recently seized an endangered python, 3.5 meters long and 45 kilograms in weight, from local wildlife traders.

With a body diameter of 60 centimeters, the spotted reptile has been identified as the Asiatic reticulated python, commonly found in Southeast Asia.

The snake was handed over to rangers in Thua Thien-Hue Province on Wednesday, the police said.

It was captured by goat tenders in the locality when the giant reptile was attacking a big goat.

The python was then sold to people specializing in trading in wildlife animals.

It was saved by the police when these people were carrying the threatened species through Phu Loc District. The traders managed to run away, though.

The reticulated python is listed in Vietnam's Red Data Book, which enumerates rare and endangered species of fauna and flora.