Overview
- A venomous Russell's viper about two to two-and-a-half feet long was spotted near the A5 entry at Mumbai Metro Line 3's BKC station and was secured, rehydrated and released by a trained rescuer and forest officials on June 23.
- Railway staff discovered a baby Indian rock python inside a locomotive engine at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Honorary Animal Welfare Officer Abhishek Ashok Thaware rescued and released the non-venomous hatchling on June 24.
- Both incidents were handled by trained personnel with no disruption to metro or train services, and teams briefed staff on safety protocols after the rescues.
- Officials say heavy monsoon rains and flooded burrows drive snakes into basements, stations and vehicles, and rescuers report hatchling movements increase this season.
- Authorities have urged the public not to handle wildlife, advised calling the Forest Department helpline at 1926, and said they will review preventive measures to reduce future incursions.