Airline passengers know to expect some turbulence, but a poisonous snake? That’s not in the safety manual. People on a plane from Torreon and Mexico City were thrown into a state of panic when a five-foot-long viper fell from the overheard compartment.

Luckily for everyone on board, a university professor was able to catch the critter with a blanket, joking that he had kept it entertained by giving it an in-flight magazine to read.

The pilot was given priority landing when the plane got to Mexico City and animal control experts were on hand to remove the serpent. It’s believed the venomous creature made its way on during boarding, but AeroMexico hasn’t released an official statement.

Source: Mirror