In our dense, urban environment, the boundaries between human habitation and wildlife are often blurred. Singapore’s lush greenery and interconnected waterways make it not uncommon for wild animals to find their way into residential spaces. From otters frolicking in condominium pools to macaques raiding kitchens, these encounters can be equal parts fascinating and alarming. Recently, a resident in Jurong West had a startling close call with a reticulated python that highlights the importance of knowing what to do when wildlife ventures into your home.
A Slithering Intruder in Jurong West
Mr Muklis, a 54-year-old sports trainer, was enjoying a midday nap in his three-room flat at Jurong West Street 92 on December 8 when he was roused by frantic calls from two passers-by. “They asked me to close my windows and doors immediately,” he recalls. Intrigued yet alarmed, he quickly shut the windows in his kitchen and master bedroom.
The urgency was justified—a reticulated python, one of Southeast Asia’s largest snake species, had slithered up the staircase to the second floor of Block 925. It found its way to a ledge outside Mr Muklis’ flat and perched itself on his air-conditioner compressor. “My wife panicked, but I’ve watched a lot of National Geographic programmes, so I knew enough not to panic,” he shares.
Then came the knock—on the master bedroom window. “If the window had been open, the snake might have entered my room,” says Mr Muklis. He immediately ensured all windows were securely shut before contacting the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) wildlife rescue hotline.
Within 20 minutes, Acres’ team arrived with the necessary tools to handle the situation. “The python was at a height of about 3.5 metres, which made the rescue tricky,” explains Acres co-chief executive, Mr Kalaivanan Balakrishnan. A ladder was used to carefully retrieve the snake while a crowd of 50 curious onlookers gathered below. The python was later microchipped and released back into the wild.
Why Pythons Aren’t the Villains of This Story
Despite their intimidating size, reticulated pythons are non-venomous and play a vital role in urban ecosystems. “They use drain networks for movement and food, preying on rodents and providing a natural form of pest control,” says Mr Kamalakannan Raja, president of the Herpetological Society of Singapore.
Still, these wild animals deserve respect and caution. “Improper removal attempts can harm the animal or result in injuries to the person,” he warns. Instead, experts recommend engaging professional wildlife rescue services when encountering large animals like pythons.
What to Do If You Encounter Wildlife in Your Home
- Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that might stress the animal. - Secure Your Space
Close all windows and doors to prevent the animal from entering further or escaping into other areas of your home. - Avoid Direct Interaction
Do not attempt to touch, chase, or trap the animal. Even non-venomous creatures can become defensive if they feel threatened. - Contact the Experts
Call the Acres wildlife rescue hotline at 9783-7782 or the National Parks Board’s Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 for professional assistance. - Keep a Safe Distance
Ensure that family members and pets remain at a safe distance from the animal until help arrives.
Ensure that family members and pets remain at a safe distance from the animal until help arrives.
Urban wildlife encounters may be unnerving, but they also remind us of the delicate balance between Singapore’s built environment and its thriving biodiversity. By staying informed and prepared, homeowners can ensure the safety of both themselves and their unexpected visitors.