The snake has been released back into the wild. (Representational)
New Delhi: A four-foot-long checkered keelback, commonly known as Asiatic water snake, entered a bank in Delhi's New Friends Colony on Thursday, triggering panic among staff.
The snake was found curled around the handrail of the staircase leading to the basement, a bank official said.
The authorities immediately contacted NGO Wildlife SOS which rushed two trained snake rescuers to the location.
The snake has been released back into the wild.
"Though non-venomous, keelbacks turn aggressive when threatened, and may bite in retaliation or self-defence. Caution needs to be maintained while carrying out such rescue operations," Wildlife SOS co-founder and CEO, Kartick Satyanarayan said.
The checkered keelback is one of the most frequently encountered semi-aquatic snakes in India. Their preferred habitat is or near freshwater lakes and rivers. They feed mainly on small fish and water frogs.