Brave volunteers help catch large python in Toa Payoh

SINGAPORE - Relevant authorities had not arrived yet and passers-by were horrified by the three-metre long python at Toa Payoh.

Two Stomp readers told the citizen journalism website that they came across the huge reptile near Blocks 199A and 201 in Toa Payoh North at about 10am on Saturday.

They estimated it to be about 2.5-3m long.

One of the Stomp contributors recounted: "Due to the excitement and noise from the crowd, the python slowly begin to slither to the nearby bushes.

"Some brave men decided to help and managed to catch the python before it travelled any further.

"Bravo to those 'hero brothers' who helped to keep the neighbourhood safe for the community especially the children."

The other Stomp reader shared that her son said he had seen a similar snake in the area two months ago.

From the archives: Acre's advice when you see a python:

- When sighted in nature spaces, green spaces, nature reserves, big water bodies, parks, canals and deep drains, it is best to leave them alone. Contradictory to popular belief and what the movies sometimes portray, they will usually move away or hide when seen.

- But if the snake is within a built environment (for example, on the road) and is not moving/or has no way to find its way out to its habitat (for example, it is injured and/or trapped), call the Acres 24-hr wildlife rescue hotline: 9783 7782.

Just do not disturb the python - it is not venomous but it can give a nasty bite, as it has long, sharp teeth. Furthermore, killing or hurting any form of wildlife is also prohibited under Singapore law.

How to tell if the snake is a python:

From the size, for one. It is not venomous but it can give a nasty bite, as it has long, sharp teeth. Colour-wise, a reticulated python has a striking pattern, with zig-zagging black lines, interspersed with yellow-brown and dark brown or medium grey patches. Small bits of white may be present. A dark line swipes the middle of its elongated head, vertical pupils sit in orange eyes.

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