MUMBAI: A four-foot-long Indian rock python which had somehow climbed up to the terrace of the 13th floor of a tower in Mumbai's Ghatkopar (west) was rescued by animal lovers and later handed over to the forest department.
The local residents were shocked as to how the python could reach so high up the tower.Animal activist Soorraj Saha, who works for an IT firm in Mumbai, told TOI, "The Indian rock python was noticed on the terrace of Vraj Paradise building on LBS Road, Ghatkopar (west), on Tuesday.
The python was fully covered with wet cement, as there is some construction work taking place on this terrace.
We had immediately informed the state forest department to rescue this big reptile."Saha added that the team of Mumbai range forest officer Rakesh Bhoir had reached the spot to rescue the python, which is a protected wildlife species.
"It is good that nobody tried to harm the python after it was noticed.
Due to wildlife awareness, people realise that it is illegal to hurt or kill snakes," said Saha.Wildlife experts said that during heavy rains, the natural habitat of pythons and other reptile species get flooded, so they seek higher places.
Also, Indian rock pythons are said to be excellent climbers in forests as they can easily scale up trees and even rock surfaces.