NParks advises public to stay clear after crocodile spotted near Yishun Dam
Crikey!
A crocodile was caught on camera swimming in the water near Yishun Dam on the side that overlooks the Straits of Johor.
A video of the reptile was posted on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook group on July 8 by a member who said the animal was spotted that morning.
By July 9, the video had chalked up 195,000 views and the post had more than 1,200 shares.
National Parks Board (NParks) group director for wildlife management How Choon Beng told The Straits Times the board was alerted to the crocodile sighting.
He said it is likely to be an estuarine crocodile.
"We are monitoring the sighting and have placed advisory signs around the area to warn the public to stay away from the water's edge," he said.
"We have also shared advisories with kayaking operators and stakeholders to stay clear of the waters."
Estuarine crocodiles feed and rest in both brackish and freshwater areas and are usually found in the water or on mudflats away from visitor routes. They are the largest crocodile species in the world and can grow up to 7m in length.
In Singapore, they are typically found in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
According to NParks, when encountering a crocodile, you should stay calm and back away. You should not approach, provoke or feed the animal.
You are not Crocodile Dundee.
