Snakes have been frequently making the news in Singapore. Singapore is filled with green plants and colourful flowers; this landscape not only fascinates the public but also attracts a wide range of wildlife around the area.

As a tropical country, it is not uncommon to encounter snakes in Singapore and urbanisation has forced them to live in close proximity to houses and buildings.

The encounter with a snake can be a surprise, hence, it is important to be educated and to understand the basics of how to handle snakes.

It is easy for us to differentiate snakes from other wildlife, but most of us have little knowledge of their species, biology, behaviour and most importantly, whether they are venomous or not.

Table Of Contents

• 6 common snakes found in Singapore
• Handling Snakes by Killem Pest
• What to do When You Encounter a Snake?

• Banded Kraits (Bungarus Fasciatus), is one of the venomous snakes that prey primarily on rodents, cats, lizards, and fish. This species is nocturnal and usually can be spotted near rodent holes, termite mounds and places close to water.
• Banded Malayan Coral Snakes (Calliophis intestinalis), are venomous snakes that are active at night and prey on other snake species. They are usually spotted in forests, parks and gardens.
• Black Spitting Cobras (Naja sumatrana), spit venom when they feel threatened and they aim their venom at the victim’s eyes. They are also nocturnal species, feed on rodents and amphibians, and can be found in cooler places like shelters, drains and garden walls.
• King Cobras (Ophiophagus hannah), the largest venomous snakes in the world are very different compared to other venomous snakes. If encountered, it is best to stay clear of its path and move away quickly as a bite and venom from this snake can be fatal. King Cobras can be seen in forests or lowland areas to areas of high elevation.
• Oriental Whip Snakes (Ahaetulla prasina), not all are venomous and the venomous ones will not result in death. Their venoms are not strong enough to kill a human. Small birds, frogs and lizards usually fall prey to this snake. This species can be found in forests, parks, residential areas with trees and amongst vegetation.
• Reticulated Pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), are non-venomous and active mostly at night from low land to highland, mangroves, forests and drainage canals. Although they may not be venomous, they are still able to bite and suffocate their victim.

Many agencies like Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) are dedicated to protecting and educating the community about wildlife. Killem is no stranger to wildlife and handling snakes, working closely with these agencies to ensure that these animals are handled with care and handed over to them. Our PCOs are kept updated on any changes and continually attend seminars like the Wildlife Handling Seminar organised by the Singapore Pest Management Association (SPMA).

Our PMPs are trained in using a variety of equipment to trap and handle snakes safely and humanely. Snake tongs are a piece of equipment with a long pole that ensures a safe distance from the head of the snake. The controllable jaws at the end of the grabber help to lift or drag the snake away firmly and gently. Besides snake tongs, other ways snakes can be captured include using towels, bags, pillowcases and dustbins.

Venomous snakes require more caution when handling compared to non-venomous snakes as they differ in terms of movement and behaviour where the former moves its head before moving its body.

From our experience, snakes should never be restrained at the head or by their tail. This is because these are their sensitive regions, restraining their head and tail can provoke their aggressive behaviour as they feel threatened. Restrained or temporarily captured venomous snakes should always be labelled, as some can spit venom up to 2m and even chew through the bags they are contained in.

Snakes are not as terrifying as they seem. By knowing what to do when you encounter them, no harm will be done to you or the snakes. Always remind yourself to remain calm and not panic when seeing a snake. Panicking may cause you to make the wrong decisions. The snake may be startled or provoked by your actions thus causing them to attack you.

It is likely for snakes to flee when they see humans, so you should also walk away from them if possible.

Handling snakes on your own is not a good idea. Seeking help from professionals will be the right way. If you ever get bitten by a snake, it is important that you stay calm and seek immediate medical attention.  You might have probably seen someone sucking out snake venom from a victim in a movie scene. However, in the reality, it is almost impossible to suck the venom out as it spreads quickly and efficiently in the lymphatic system. The best thing to do in case you get bitten by snakes is to minimize movement and call a doctor or an ambulance immediately.

The landscape in Singapore is built and maintained such that wildlife co-exists with the people living around their habitat very closely. With limited living spaces, it is not uncommon to find a monitor lizard crawling near concrete buildings that are close to parks and woodland, or for wild boars to be seen crossing roads in quiet residential areas.

There are signs in places like parks to ensure that people are warned of probable encounters with wildlife and to stop feeding or disturbing them. These animals forage beyond their homes, lurking near food sources left by people. They may not be the dangerous wild elephants or tigers found in other Asian countries, but wildlife in Singapore can become a threat if encounters are not handled appropriately.

Table Of Contents

• Wildlife in Singapore: Protection and Education
• Wildlife in Singapore: Snakes
• Wildlife in Singapore: Lizards
• Wildlife in Singapore: Birds
• Wildlife in Singapore: Policies
• Wildlife Trapping Permit

Many agencies like Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) are dedicated to protecting and educating the community about wildlife. Killem is no stranger to wildlife, working closely with these agencies to ensure that these animals are handled with care and handed over to them.

Killem’s Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) have many run-ins with wild snakes, monitor lizards and many other animals.

They are competent in handling any situation, always ready with their protective equipment and abide by the law and acts pertaining to wildlife in Singapore.

Our PMPs are kept updated on any changes and continually attend seminars like the Wildlife Handling Seminar organised by the Singapore Pest Management Association (SPMA) in June this year.

Dr Abraham Mathew, who is a senior veterinarian and wildlife expert from WRS, conducted a meaningful seminar that was attended by 8 of Killem’s representatives. He was very wilful in sharing his thoughts and techniques on handling wildlife in Singapore to ensure the safety of both the people and especially the animals. It was an eye-opener for many as we learned that animals are just as afraid of us as we are of them, finding ways to protect themselves from fear of harm. The ways in which people can protect themselves are as simple as moving away and placing space between animals and not making quick or sudden movements.

One of the more feared and underappreciated animals is snakes but Dr Abraham Mathew was able to place confidence in us with techniques and pointers for handling them.

Like many, we were concerned of snake bites as Singapore is home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes.

The non-venomous kinds leave a row of bite marks when bitten, evidence that they don’t have venom. Concern rises when it’s a venomous snake that has bitten where the snake leaves two fang punctures and starts to chew. Even though the venom is for digesting its food, people once bitten should get immediate help. Our PCOs realised how the situation can be handled without any stress with the right treatment of the animals.

Dr Abraham Mathew stressed the importance of strength in gentleness when handling snakes and wildlife alike. It may seem like a daunting task to remain calm in the presence of a snake or when bitten by one but doing just that can help with the situation tremendously. The gentlest movements can put a hyperalert snake at ease to an extent it mistakes its handler’s hand for a tree branch. Proper restraining techniques and equipment should be used as total immobilization of animals or restricting movements will affect animals’ behaviour and activities.

Our PMPs have experience handling snakes and thus are confident in using equipment like snake thongs when restraining them. Other ways snakes can be captured include using towels, bags, pillowcases and dustbins as makeshift snake containment enclosures.

Venomous snakes require more caution when handling compared to non-venomous snakes as they differ in terms of movement and behaviour where the former moves its head before moving its body.

Snakes should never be restrained at the head or by their sensitive tail. Restrained or temporarily captured venomous snakes should always be labelled, as some can spit venom up to 2m and even chew through the bags they are contained in.

In addition to the presentations done by Dr Abraham Mathew, Mr Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan of ACRES enlightened the attendees on how the drainage structures all over Singapore act as passageways for snakes and reptiles to move around and as habitation. From time to time, wild animals can cross our paths but to ensure they don’t venture too close to our living spaces, homes should be inspected for holes or gaps, sealing them shut.

Lizards are less-feared wildlife than snakes. In Singapore, there are many types of lizards. The more known ones are the tiny geckos, but the large specie called Monitor Lizards are active in the wild.

The Malayan water monitor is the largest one known to be active in Singapore and can get up to 3 meters long. One place where they are present is the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Malayan water monitor lizards love urban jungles and being in close proximity to water.

The status of Birds in Singapore is defined in the Singapore Red Data book. This includes bird species that are vulnerable, endangered and presumed extinct, as well as common bird species that are of less concern in terms of their population. For example, most species of pigeons fall under the latter category.

Birds with vulnerable or endangered status are protected by Singaporean law, meaning that it is illegal to handle those species of birds without a permit.

Singapore records well over 400 bird species. Common birds in Singapore include:

• Pigeons
• Javan Myna
• Common Myna
• House Crow
• Asian Glossy Starling

The Wild Animals and Birds Act (WABA) was highlighted, and it was made clear that feeding wildlife in Singapore is illegal. Animals should not be accustomed to food handed from humans as this might alter their behaviour towards humans, making them more aggressive. An endearing long-tailed macaque can become a hostile animal with just a flash of teeth from our smiles and laughs as what we assume as a harmless action is deduced as a sign of challenge for a monkey.

There were many concerns raised by the Wild Animals Legislation Review Committee (WALRC) formed by a Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC Louis Ng and consisting of various stakeholders from the pest control companies, religious organisations, town councils and nature community on the recent proposals for amendments to the WABA. The WALRC has proposed as one of the amendments, for the deployment of traps for all wildlife to be done only by qualified individuals. Animals such as wild boars have reportedly increased in sightings, indicating the ideal living conditions and increase in population. These bans on deploying traps can safeguard animals from illegal poaching and endangerment.

People have responded in favour of stronger penalties and protection for wildlife in Singapore through the discussions and surveys conducted by WALRC. The proposed amendments aim to fill any gaps in the WABA, protecting wildlife all the same, regardless of whether they are in protected national park areas or beyond.

Our PMPs are trained to refrain from unnecessary disruption to wildlife, respecting each being and handing over to the respective authorities when it’s beyond their means. Wildlife in Singapore, however small, will be a part of our living spaces from time to time. Killem aims to pursue more humane ways when handling wildlife and playing its part to ensure the safety of the public and not forgetting the animals.

Did you know that Killem Pest has been granted approval by the National Parks Board (NParks) to trap and take certain wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1965? This is an honourable accreditation and Killem Pest has done and will continue to adhere to all applicable laws and regulations to handle wildlife in Singapore.

The following is a list of wildlife for which we have been granted approval to take and trap.

Snakes

• Brahminy blind snake
• Sunbeam snake
• Reticulated python
• Oriental whip snake
• Gold-ringed cat snake
• Dog-toothed cat snake
• Paradise tree snake
• Twin-barred tree snake
• Common Malayan racer
• Striped bronzeback
• Kopstein’s bronzeback
• Painted bronzeback
• Malayan bridle snake
• Keel-bellied whip snake
• Red-tailed racer
• Common house snake
• Striped kukri snake
• Keeled rat snake
• White-bellied rat snake
• Indochinese rat snake
• Black-headed collared snake
• Puff-faced water snake
• Equatorial spitting cobra
• King cobra
• Shore pit viper
• Wagler’s pit viper

Lizards

• Malayan water monitor
• Clouded monitor
• Green iguana
• Changeable lizard
• Green crested lizard
• Black-bearded gliding lizard
• Five-banded gliding lizard
• Common gliding lizard
• Maritime gecko
• Common sun skink
• Long-tailed sun skink
• Supple skink
• Thai supple skink
• Brown anole

A major part of Singapore is occupied by skyscrapers and buildings, turning the landscape into a concrete jungle. The consequences of this urbanization mean animals are affected as they are forced to retreat to more natural habitats, which are still in close proximity to houses and buildings.

From time to time, snakes may pay visits to residential areas and public places. Although they are creatures to be feared and are disliked by many, it is still important to be educated about them if ever faced with a snake on your path.

Table of Contents

• Banded Krait
• Banded Malayan Coral Snake
• Black Spitting Cobra
• King Cobra
• Oriental Whip Snake
• Reticulated Python
• How to get rid of snakes in your yard?
• How to prevent snakes from entering home?
• Professional Snake Removal Services

A snake is a reptile without limbs that has features such as a short tail, jaws capable of extending itself considerably, unmoving eyelids, and some with venom and fangs. There are exceptions to these as certain snakes have limbs and some snakes are non-venomous.

The differences between venomous and non-venomous snakes may not be very obvious but it is important that people are aware of the dangers of these snakes.

There have been many species encountered in Singapore but there are 6 common snakes to be highlighted.

Some of these snakes can be dangerous and professional help should be sought if they need to be removed.

Scientific Name: Bungarus Fasciatus
Venom: Yes
Food: Other snakes mostly, rodents, cats, lizards, and fish
Active Time: Nocturnal, active at night
Habitat: Rodent holes, termite mounds, and places close to the water

One of the more prominently patterned snakes, the Banded Krait is stripped in black and white from head to tail. It has a mostly black head and a body with a triangular cross-section. This is one that can be spotted from afar and should not be approached as it is venomous and may bite if threatened.

They are normally active at night, where they hunt for their prey.

They feed on other snakes especially, even the venomous ones, as well as rodents, cats, lizards, and fishes to name a few. Based on their eating habits, they can be found in forested areas near rodent holes, termite mounds, and places close to water.

Scientific Name: Calliophis intestinalis
Venom: Yes
Food: Other snakes
Active Time: Nocturnal, active at night
Habitat: Forests, parks, and gardens

The Banded Malayan Coral Snake, also known as the Calliophis Intestinalis, is a venomous snake. It can grow up to 50cm in length and can be distinguished from the reddish stripe along the length on the top side of the body and the bright red tail. On the underside, however, it has contrasting stripes of black and white that it flips to and portrays when threatened.

In Singapore, the chances of crossing this snake can be high if visits to parks and forested areas are frequent.

They mainly eat other snakes and are known to eat even their young ones. They are active at night and therefore can be difficult to spot.

They may look small and attractive but their venom can be potent. It is best to stay away from them if sighted.

Scientific Name: Naja Sumatrana
Venom: Yes
Food: Rodents and other amphibians
Active Time: Nocturnal, active at night
Habitat: Cooler places like shelters, drains, and garden walls

The Naja Sumatrana, also known as the Black Spitting Cobra, spits venom if it feels threatened at a closer distance, as the name suggests. It does so to aim its venom at the victim’s eyes. The eyes and areas surrounding it should be washed immediately to stop the spread of permanent damage the venom does to the tissues. If bitten, the venom can cause death.

They are normally black if not black with a slight blue tinge. They are known to be aggressive if provoked, erecting their hood, standing tall, hissing at their tormentor, and finally spitting venom as a final resort. These should be considered as warning signs if this snake is encountered.

Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah
Venom: Yes
Food: Mostly other snakes, rodents and lizards
Active Time: Most active in the daytime
Habitat: Forests, lowland areas to areas of high elevation

The King Cobra is known to be the largest venomous snake in the world. It is notoriously known throughout the world to be a dangerous snake that everyone fears. They can be extremely aggressive in other parts of the world though they are not as much in Singapore. If encountered, however, it is best to stay clear of its path and move away quickly as a bite and venom from this snake can be fatal.

This snake is generally big and its hood is distinctively bigger when spread fully. They can stand tall as high as six feet from the ground and project a hissing sound almost resembling a growl, to intimidate their tormentor.

They are of varying colours but are mainly in shades of light brown to dark brown and even black with a pale yellow underside. It has a set of large head shields that are not seen in most other snakes. All these features may give the snake a graceful look but it is in the least bit gentle if encountered.

It feeds on other snakes predominantly, not leaving the venomous ones either, as well as rodents and lizards.

In Singapore, this snake was encountered fighting a Reticulated Python once and had to be removed by Killem’s Pest Control Operators.

Professionals should be engaged in such cases as they have the proper equipment and are educated on how to safely remove such snakes.

Scientific Name: Ahaetulla prasina
Venom: Mild
Food: Birds, frogs and lizards
Active Time: Most active in the daytime
Habitat: Forests, parks, residential areas with trees and amongst vegetation

Snakes may look vicious but not all of them are venomous. There are also some snakes that are venomous but the amount of toxin may not be sufficient to cause fatality in humans.

This is a fairly small and lanky snake that is able to blend in with the vegetation due to its bright green coloured scales. They can grow up to a maximum of about two meters in length and can also vary in colours from light brown to bright green. They are usually seen amongst low hanging trees or tangled between vines in forested areas.

They may not seem like they can do much harm but they do in fact carry venom, though not enough to kill a human. Small birds, frogs and lizards usually fall prey to this snake. If encountered, do let this snake slide away as it prefers to avoid confrontation but if agitated, it may bite.

Scientific Name: Malayopython Reticulatus
Venom: No
Food: Small mammals, rodents and birds
Active Time: Active mostly at night
Habitat: Low land to highland, mangroves, forests and drain canals

One of the most widely known snakes, the Reticulated Python is the world’s longest snake at almost ten over meters being the longest. It has an unmistakable alternating, consistent, zigzag pattern of black, yellow, brown and white scales that is recognisable all over the world. This python has a head that is protracted outwards, longer than other snake species and has eyes that are dull orange with black slit-like pupils.

The way this snake hunts its prey is different as it constricts its prey, suffocating it before having it as a meal.

This was the other species of snake that was in a battle with the King Cobra, mentioned earlier, constricting it as much as possible given the big disadvantage in size. It may not be venomous but it is still able to bite and suffocate its victim.

It has a diet of small mammals such as pigs, dears, rodents and birds. The pythons found in Singapore are comfortable inhabiting urbanised areas such as the drains and canals.

They are able to adapt to changing environments but can still be found in forested areas. They are active at night but can be seen hunting even in the daytime. The sheer length and strength it renders to constrict its victim are indications that professionals should be called immediately once sighted.

To get rid of snakes in your yard, start by removing potential food sources like rodents and minimizing hiding spots such as tall grass and debris. Make sure to seal all entry points to prevent snakes access. If the infestation persists or involves venomous snakes, seek professional help from Killem Pest to ensure safety and effective removal.

To keep snakes from entering your home, install snake-proof fencing and seal all potential entry points, such as gaps in doors, windows, and foundation. Use mesh screens on vents and maintain closed doors and windows. Eliminate all factors that potentially attract snakes, like food, garbage, or shelter.

Snakes can be dangerous but are sometimes a blessing in disguise, as mentioned in one of our previous posts… What Common Pests Are Found in Your Garden? where snakes were known to reduce the rodent population in residential areas and gardens.

It is important to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes so that extra caution can be taken. Like most other creatures, they prefer to be unprovoked and are not confrontational.

The best way to stay clear of any unexpected attacks if encountered with a snake in your path would be to leave ample space between yourself and the snake as well as a clear exit route for the snake to slip away.

If you do come across any snakes in your residential area or in urban places, do call a professional immediately as they may pose a threat to others.

The Pest Control Operators (PCOs) at Killem are able to rescue, remove and capture snakes that are then released back into the wild, away from the urban landscape.

Proper equipment such as snake thongs, gloves of thick material, heavy-duty boots, goggles, long-sleeved shirts, and pants should be used when handling a snake. Engaging a professional is always the safest option when it comes to handling snakes.