Tourists and visitors in Agra were in for a shock as an eight-foot-long non-venomous Indian Rock python was found in a battery panel of a Agra Development Authority e-rickshaw. The vehicle was parked outside Hotel Taj Khem located near the Taj Mahal East Gate. These vehicles ferry tourists to and from Taj Mahal.

On spotting the massive python, a hotel staff member concerned about its well-being and that of the guests immediately contacted the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The forest officials informed the 24-hour helpline of Wildlife SOS.

The NGO sent a two-member team from its Rapid Response Unit to the location. On arriving at the scene, it was found that the reptile had slithered into the battery panel of the e-rickshaw attempting to escape the pouring rain.

The rescue unit opened the battery panel and removed the battery before transferring the massive reptile into a transportation carrier. Kept under observation, the python will be released back into its natural habitat once deemed fit.

In another incident, the NGO rescued a 6-foot-long Indian Rock python from a roadside drain in Sikandra while an Indian Wolf snake was also rescued from a Little Genius Public School located in Agra’s Shashtripuram.

Talking about these rescues, Baiju Raj M.V, Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS said: “The number of snakes found in odd locations significantly increases with the onset of rains. This is because reptiles seek dry and cool places for shelter. We are thankful to the staff of Taj Khema hotel who acted out of concern for the python.”

Also read: WATCH: Cars being swept away as roads turn into rivers due to heavy rains in Jodhpur