Video of 7-foot Indian rat snake on top of AC unit at Mumbai airport goes viral

A nearly 7-foot Indian rat snake was found resting on top of an air-conditioning unit at an airport in Mumbai, causing panic among locals and viewers in a now-viral video shared on social media.

A nearly 7-foot-long Indian rat snake was spotted calmly resting atop an air-conditioning unit in Mumbai’s Vile Parle (East) area, triggering panic among locals before wildlife rescuers stepped in.

The incident unfolded on Thursday near Air India Gate No. 3, where residents and passersby were startled to see the large reptile stretched out above the outdoor AC unit. In the now-circulating clip, the snake can be seen coiled along the narrow ledge near the ceiling, just beneath a rotating fan, appearing still and unbothered despite the commotion below.

The video was recorded by photographer Karan Solanki, who documented the unexpected sighting on his mobile phone. The clip gained traction online, with viewers expressing both awe and alarm at the snake’s size and unusual resting spot.

Watch the video here:

Upon being alerted about the reptile, a rescue team from Asha: The Hope for Animals Welfare Trust rushed to the location. Demonstrating swift action and careful handling, the team safely removed the snake without causing harm to the animal or residents nearby.

Following standard procedures and in accordance with Forest Department guidelines, the rescued snake was later released into its natural habitat away from human settlements, bringing relief to those in the vicinity.