Python Found Coiled Around Railing At Tampines HDB Stairwell
Recently, snakes have been reported in a number of neighbourhoods across Singapore from Boon Lay to Marine Parade.
Now, Tampines has become the location of the latest snake sighting, when a large python was found coiled around the railing at an HDB stairwell.
Source: Shin Min Daily News on Facebook
It was eventually caught by NParks.
Python seen at Block 428 Tampines Street 41
The python made an appearance on Monday (27 Nov) morning, reported Shin Min Daily News.
The reptile was found at Block 428 Tampines Street 41, at the stairwell between the third and fourth floors.
According to Shin Min, this is the first snake sighting in Tampines. The creature is believed to have ended up at the block while looking for food or hunting prey.
Python seems to be thick & 3m long
A video recorded by a resident showed a thick python estimated to be at least 3m long, coiled around the railing.
It appeared to be barely moving, apart from briefly sticking out its tongue.
Source: Shin Min Daily News on Facebook
A woman can be heard exclaiming how huge the reptile is and how it made her scared.
Python spooks Tampines residents
A 39-year-old resident known only as Mr Zhang (name transliterated from Mandarin) told Shin Min that his domestic helper spotted the python when she passed by the stairs that morning.
She immediately ran home, spooked by the sight.
The accountant then warned his family members not to use the stairwell.
Later, a neighbour sent him a video of the snake, which terrified his family.
Another resident, 22-year-old student Syafiq, who lives on the fourth floor, said his father saw the python when he went out that morning.
He informed his mother, who called NParks.
NParks officers catch snake
When Shin Min reporters arrived at the scene at 9am, they saw several residents gathered at the stairwell looking at the python.
A number of NParks officers had also arrived.
They caught the snake and put it inside a bag.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
Don’t catch snakes on your own
While it’s common for people to be creeped out by snakes, it’s unnecessary to be overly frightened.
The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) previously told MS News that snakes in general are shy animals and will only defend themselves if provoked or harmed. Otherwise, they tend to just go about their own business without interfering with human activities.
Thus, the creatures don’t pose much of a danger and it’s not a good idea for members of the public to catch them on their own or worse still, provoke or attack them.
In April, a man hit and hacked a python to death in Boon Lay. He was fined S$1,000 by NParks for his actions.
Python Allegedly Gets Hit & Chopped With Cleaver By Man In Boon Lay, ACRES Appeals For Information
ACRES advised the public to keep a safe distance and call the ACRES hotline at 9783 7782 if they encounter a snake.
Alternatively, you may also try reaching NParks Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600.
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News on Facebook and Google Maps.
