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A man was walking around an HDB estate in Jurong West on Sunday night (September 13) when he noticed he had company: a python.
The reptile, which is estimated to be 2.5 meters long, was seen slipping from a water channel and crossing the bridge where an HDB farm was located.
Facebook user Chia Ming Ho, who filmed the sighting, immediately alerted the National Park Board (NParks) for help, while monitoring the python’s movement and warning bystanders not to approach the wild animal.
By the time the team sent by NParks reached the scene, they had taken refuge in the nearby bushes.
After locating the python, the men proceed to extract it from the bushes.
Holding its head in place with a pair of snake forceps, they took turns in a brief ‘tug of war’ with the reptile while loosening the soil where it had buried itself.
After a few minutes, they captured the snake and placed it in a black bag.
In her Facebook post yesterday (September 14), Chia praised the men who caught the python and helped keep the property safe from potential danger.
https://www.facebook.com/chiaming.ho.39/posts/3489240377764570/
The reticulated python was sent to the Singapore Wildlife Reserves for a health assessment, said How Choon Beng, Director of Wildlife Management and Outreach at NParks.
As found to be in good health, the reptile will be relocated to a wooded area.
“The reticulated python is native to Singapore and is occasionally found in urban areas.
“Pythons play an important role in regulating the ecosystem by keeping the population of pests, such as rodents, low,” he added.
Earlier this month, a python was similarly captured from a drain near Block 457 Jurong West Street 41.
However, the pest control company was criticized for improper handling and treatment of the reptile after images of the incident were shared online.
The spike in python sightings in public spaces could be due to recent rainy weather and flooded drains, Kalai Vanan, deputy executive director of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), told Stomp.
“Our drainage systems and canals are like paths for pythons. They use them to move around and ambush rats that are usually found in drainage networks,” he explained.
Snakes are generally shy creatures and will not attack unless disturbed or provoked.
Members of the public who come across a snake in their homes or in urban areas should call the Animal Response Center at 1800-476-1600 or the Acres Wildlife Rescue Center at 9783 7782.
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