Singaporean Snakes

Screams erupted from the Ardmore Park playground. Late that Sunday evening, a Reticulate Python was slithering on the cold metal playground equipment. As the children stood in place and sobbed, one child got up and ran for his mother.

Many would have stood and watched, but he ran for help.

Singapore, previously a water gypsy-rainforest, was and still is home to many snakes. The most common snaking in Singapore being the Reticulate Python. They are experts in climbing and swimming, and have no problem going through pipes. Though they are not venomous, they can give a nasty bite.

Five out of ten people do not know what to do in an encounter with a snake. According to ACRES, the Animal Concerns Research & Education Society, if you see a snake in the wild you should let them be, as they are quiet and shy but they can get aggressive if aggravated. If you see a snake in the urban area, recently they have paid visits to the ATM’s at orchard road and the swimming pool of Tanglin Swimming Club, one should call the ACRES 24 hour wildlife rescue hotline at 9783 7782.

As mentioned before, Singapore is a snake haunt and wildlife haunt (as it was previously a rainforest), but many Singaporean and expats alike are worried about the frequent appearances of snakes in houses and condominiums. “I wonder if younger children know what to do and are educated about this matter, they could get in serious danger if not careful but the best thing to is make sure they are not in the condos at all” Elizabeth Knight-Hassell comments.
In contrast, some people welcome snakes to their home. These people believe that is is actually the fault of humans of destroying their habitats of snakes and building concrete buildings. “We should respect snakes, we are the ones who cut down their homes, the least we can do is let them come to ours.” Manish Parwani, a resident of a snake infested condo explains, “This is what happens when we build on habitats.”

Written by Mehak