SINGAPORE: A reticulated python with a bloated belly was spotted at 12 Eunos Crescent on the morning of Friday (Dec 6).
The National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed to The Straits Times that the approximately 2m-long snake had swallowed a cat, which it later regurgitated.
The python was subsequently removed by NParks and transferred to Mandai Wildlife Group for assessment and monitoring. If deemed suitable, it will be released into a forested area far from human dwellings, NParks said.
In images shared on Facebook, the python was seen partially inside an open section of a drain next to a patch of grass.
A large bump was visible in its belly, indicating the rather large meal it had consumed earlier.
The images sparked varied reactions from netizens, with some expressing shock at the snake’s size and location in a residential area, while others highlighted its role in controlling pest populations.
How Choon Beng, NParks’ group director of wildlife management, said the reticulated python – native to Singapore – plays a crucial role in regulating the ecosystem by keeping pest populations, such as rodents, in check.
He added that it is not uncommon to encounter pythons in urban areas due to Singapore’s high biodiversity and the proximity of natural habitats to residential spaces.
This sighting comes just weeks after another python was spotted near Paya Lebar Square on Nov 9, where it was found hiding in a bush. NParks safely removed the snake before a crowd of curious onlookers and transported it to Mandai Wildlife Group for assessment.
NParks advises members of the public who encounter snakes to remain calm and give the animal space to retreat. They should avoid approaching or handling the snake, especially if it is in its natural habitat. For assistance, the NParks helpline can be reached on 1800-476-1600.
More information about handling snake encounters and wildlife safety can be found on NParks’ website. - The Straits Times/ANN
