Spitting cobra spotted in Bishan neighbourhood on CNY eve: 'Good omen?'
As residents in Bishan were gearing up to celebrate the Year of the Snake, a surprise visitor was spotted slithering through the neighbourhood.
Stomper KG shared with Stomp that a spitting cobra was sighted near his block on Chinese New Year Eve (Jan 28), between 2 and 3pm.
"A good omen?" he asked.
He shared that residents in the area reported the snake had shed its skin near swings in the area between Blocks 223 and 224 Bishan Street 23.
It then lay under a bush near a children's playground at Block 221 before hiding in a 'hut' next to an exercise station.
"My neighbour from the next block called National Parks Board (NParks)," he said.
"It was first spotted by some helpers who were at the playground with the children.
"When the NParks personnel arrived, they had to break the lock to the National Environment Agency (NEA) hut."
This is not the first time cobras have been sighted in the area, KG added.
"They were previously seen at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park 2 at the butterfly habitat and the bushes next to the McDonald's, among other places."
The snake sighting comes just after KG and other residents of Block 219 Bishan Street 23 came together to decorate their block with snake motifs for Chinese New Year.
According to NParks, the black spitting cobra is commonly found in scrubland and suburban areas in Singapore. There have been instances of this species entering houses.
The snake feeds on small animals such as rats and toads.
They are highly venomous and will raise the front part of its body when provoked, flatten its neck and hiss loudly.
If the warning display fails, it may eject fine sprays of venom from its fangs towards the eyes of its provoke. This spray can cover over one metre and cause discomfort and even temporary blindness if it enters the eyes.
Whether the snake's appearance in this case is a good omen or not, NParks advises members of the public to observe them from a safe distance.
They are generally shy creatures and will usually try to slither away from humans. They will not attack unless disturbed or provoked.
Do not approach or attempt to handle the snake and leave it alone, especially if it is in its natural habitat.
Call NParks' 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 for assistance.
