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March 25, 2025 — What began as an ordinary Saturday morning for residents of a residential compound in Mumbai’s Dahisar neighborhood quickly turned into a wildlife drama when a seven-foot python was discovered coiled inside the engine compartment of a parked car.
The incident occurred at the Maheshwar Building near Bapu Bagwe Road in Kandarpada. According to witnesses, the snake was first spotted slowly emerging from beneath the vehicle, then slithering toward the hood. As onlookers moved closer, they realized the reptile was a sizable python. Word spread rapidly through the compound, drawing a crowd and triggering anxiety among families.
Local residents immediately contacted wildlife rescue authorities. Rescue expert Sameer Gupta arrived at the scene and, after carefully opening the car’s hood, found the python wrapped tightly around the engine block. A video of the operation, widely shared on social media, shows Gupta using specialized tools to gently coax the snake out and place it into a secure bag.
The rescued python was transported to a veterinary facility for a thorough medical examination. Wildlife officials confirmed that the snake had suffered no injuries from the engine components and was in good health. It was later released into its natural habitat in the nearby Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a protected area that serves as a green lung for Mumbai.
Why Python Sightings Are Increasing in Indian Cities
This incident is not isolated. Experts note that rapid urbanization and habitat encroachment in India have led to more frequent encounters between humans and large reptiles, particularly pythons. Dr. Rohan Jadhav, a herpetologist at the Bombay Natural History Society, told The Tribune that pythons often seek refuge in vehicles and buildings, especially during the monsoon season when their natural habitats are flooded.
“Pythons are excellent climbers and can squeeze into tight spaces like engine compartments, which offer warmth and shelter,” Dr. Jadhav explained. “The key is to avoid harming the snake and call trained rescuers immediately.”
A Growing Comparison: Python Invasions in the United States
While the Mumbai incident is a local story, it echoes a larger concern in the U.S., particularly in Florida, where the Burmese python has become an invasive species. In the Everglades, pythons have been known to crawl into car engines, swimming pools, and even residential garages. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, more than 18,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from the Everglades since 2000.
“In both India and the U.S., the key challenges are public awareness and rapid response,” said Dr. Emily Watson, a wildlife biologist at the University of Florida. “Urban environments create unexpected interactions between snakes and people. The Mumbai rescue team’s quick action is a model for how to handle such incidents safely.”
Rescue Expert’s Advice for Drivers
Following the incident, Sameer Gupta shared tips for drivers in snake-prone areas:
Community Reaction and Aftermath
Residents of the Maheshwar Building have expressed relief that the snake was safely removed without harm to anyone. “We were terrified, but the rescue team handled it professionally,” said a resident who asked not to be named. “Now we know what to do if it happens again.”
The viral video of the rescue has drawn over 2 million views on YouTube, sparking discussions about urban wildlife management. The incident also prompted local authorities to schedule a snake awareness workshop for residents in the Dahisar area later this week.
As urbanization continues to blur the boundaries between human settlements and natural habitats, experts emphasize that coexistence, not conflict, is the goal. The Mumbai python rescue serves as a reminder that even in a bustling metropolis, nature can turn up in the most unexpected places—and that with the right response, both people and animals can come out unharmed.
