A crocodile was spotted swimming along and close to the edge of a canal near Yishun Dam. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM SGFOLLOWSALL/INSTAGRAM
SINGAPORE: Members of the public are advised to stay calm and back away if they encounter a crocodile, after one such reptile was spotted near Yishun Dam.
In response to a query from The Straits Times, National Parks Board (NParks) group director of wildlife management How Choon Beng said NParks was alerted to the crocodile sighting on Jan 6.
A video posted on Instagram by @sgfollowsall on Jan 6 shows a crocodile swimming along and close to the edge of a canal near Yishun Dam. People can be seen walking by and sitting near the waterway.
How said the animal is likely to be an estuarine crocodile, or Crocodylus porosus, which is known to be found in the Strait of Johor.
The species is usually found in the water or on mudflats away from visitor routes. It feeds mostly on fish but may also eat mammals, birds and carrion, or the carcasses of dead animals.
“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,” said How.
“We have also shared advisories with kayaking operators and stakeholders to stay clear of the waters.”
He added that the public should not approach, provoke or feed crocodiles.
A similar sighting occurred in July 2024, when an estuarine crocodile was spotted swimming near Yishun Dam.
Any encounters with these reptiles can be reported to NParks on 1800-476-1600. - The Straits Times/ANN
