A Frightening Discovery

In Jurong West, a typical afternoon took a frightening turn for Ms. Nicole Lim on March 10 when she received a shocking text from her neighbor. While she was inside helping her son with homework, her neighbor alerted her to a large snake lurking right outside her doorstep.

The text included a photo of the snake's formidable head peering out from a drain, alarmingly close to Ms. Lim's parked car. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ms. Lim promptly contacted the National Parks Board (NParks) for assistance. They advised her to monitor the situation and report again if the snake reappeared.

The Tense Wait

Around 6 PM, after a tense wait, the snake made another appearance. Ms. Lim's father-in-law immediately followed NParks' guidance and reached out for their help once more. NParks officers arrived approximately an hour later, ready to handle the unexpected visitor.

Describing the event, Ms. Lim expressed the anxiety felt by her family: "We were all very scared and apprehensive. We kept our distance to observe and advised our kids not to come outside... We also warned our neighbors to stay clear of our parked car."

The Snake's Identification and Removal

According to NParks' group director of wildlife management, How Choon Beng, the snake was identified as a Sunda king cobra measuring about 2 meters long. It was safely removed and transferred to NParks' Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation for a thorough veterinary assessment. If deemed healthy, this magnificent creature will be rehabilitated and released back into a suitable forested area far from human contact.

Understanding the Sunda King Cobra

Interestingly, the Sunda king cobra is a native species to Singapore, often found in forest regions and their fringes such as the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Although highly venomous, these snakes are not typically aggressive and will usually avoid humans if given the chance.

The Rescue in Action

A video of the daring rescue shared by Ms. Lim captured the NParks officers skillfully using snake tongs to extract the cobra from the drain. The cobra can be seen momentarily expanding its hood, a defensive reaction, before being placed into a secure container.

Safety Guidelines for Encounters

In light of this incident, NParks has reiterated guidelines for anyone who encounters a snake: remain calm, back away slowly, and allow the animal space to escape. Attempts to approach or handle the snake can lead to dangerous situations. Pet owners are also advised to keep their pets on a tight leash during such encounters.

Contacting NParks for Assistance

For those who may encounter wildlife in their area, NParks encourages the public to reach out via their helpline at 1800-476-1600 for immediate assistance. This alarming episode serves as a reminder of Singapore’s rich biodiversity and the importance of coexistence with the wildlife that calls the island home.