Cooking oil used to free massive python from concrete manhole cover

Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Animal rescuers in Thailand had to employ cooking oil to carry out an unusual rescue on a large python that got stuck in a manhole cover.

A video filmed Nov. 10 in the Bang Lamung district of Chonburi province shows rescuers slathering the massive python in vegetable oil after it became stuck while apparently trying to slither through a small hole on a concrete manhole cover.

Officials from the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation said the rescuers attempted to smash through the concrete, but ended up merely lifting the manhole cover when that attempt proved unsuccessful.

The rescuers used more cooking oil to lubricate the front half of the snake's body and they were then able to ease it back through the hole.

The snake became aggressive after being freed and nearly struck a police officer, but the rescuers were able to secure it in a canvas bag and they said it would be released back into the wild.