Kid spots snake at Sembawang playground on 26 Nov
Residents in Sembawang have raised concerns after a black snake was spotted at a heartland playground.
Some netizens later identified the snake as a black spitting cobra — a venomous species.
Concerned about the safety of children and community cats in the vicinity, some netizens have also urged authorities to take action.
Kid spots snake under bench at Sembawang playground
Chelsia Lee, the Facebook user who reposted the picture, said she received the image from a child’s parent, urging pet owners to be vigilant.
A child had taken the picture after spotting the snake at a playground near Block 366 Sembawang Crescent at about 10am on Wednesday (26 Nov).
The photo showed the black snake, measuring about one metre in length, positioned under a bench.
Source: Chelsia Lee on Facebook
Chelsia was informed about the reptile as she feeds community cats in the area every Saturday.
She has also spread the information to fellow cat feeders in the area.
NParks, Sembawang Town Council alerted to sighting
Chelsia added that one of her friends had contacted the National Parks Board (NParks) regarding the sighting, but officers did not manage to find the snake.
She told MS News that she had heard “countless reports” of cobra sightings in the neighbourhood.
However, she believed that there was nothing the Town Council could do about it, as the area was near a canal.
“I hope feeders will be more alert during this period when most snakes are likely to come out to seek warmth from the cold weather,” Chelsia said.
In response to queries by MS News, a representative from Sembawang Town Council confirmed that its team has been alerted to the incident.
“Our team has been in touch with NParks, who oversees wildlife management, and we have been working closely with them to monitor the situation,” the Town Council added.
MS News has reached out to NParks and ACRES regarding the sighting.
Netizens identify snake as black spitting cobra
Many netizens identified the snake as a black spitting cobra — a venomous snake native to Singapore.
Source: Singapore Geographic
Users immediately expressed concern.
One cautioned that the snake could attack children at the playground.
Source: Facebook
Other netizens pointed out that community cats could be at risk, too.
They also highlighted that snakes tend to show up more often during the rainy season.
Source: Facebook
Also read: Dog owner spots spitting cobra near school in West Coast, expresses concern
Dog owner spots spitting cobra near school in West Coast, expresses concern
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Chelsia Lee on Facebook and Singapore Geographic.
