Crocodile spotted at ECP drain, captured and relocated by authorities

Singapore ― Although crocodile sightings in Singapore often take place at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, a surprise visit at East Coast Park (ECP) recently went viral on social media.

A 1.53-metre long crocodile was spotted swimming in a canal near Fort Road at ECP on Tuesday (Oct 5).

Video footage of the crocodile was shared on Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings, garnering over 1,000 responses.

The video showed the crocodile chilling by the water before being taken by authorities for relocation.

“Update: croc has been arrested and sent for quarantine order,” quipped Facebook user Atrez who shared the video.

National Parks Board (NParks) volunteers and contractors received reports on the sighting and soon arrived at the scene.

“The crocodile was removed and relocated to the core area of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for the safety of the public,” said Dr Adrian Loo, group director of wildlife management at NParks, to Straits Times. 

It was reported that the core area of the wetland reserve, which comprises about 150 hectares of wetland habitats, is closed limits to the public.

Saltwater or estuarine crocodiles feed and rest in brackish and freshwater areas, residing on mudflats away from visitor routes, added Dr Loo.

However, their ability to swim in both fresh and saltwater allows them to travel to other areas on the island.

The sighting of the juvenile croc has also been confirmed to be positive because it is a sign that their population is reproducing.

“This is actually good news, as this species is regarded as critically endangered locally,” said Law Ing Sind, co-founder of the Herpetological Society of Singapore.

On Feb 23, 2019, NParks and national water agency PUB relocated a 1.7 metre-long crocodile from Lower Seletar Reservoir back to the wild.

Two years before that, in 2017, warning signs were posted at Changi Beach Park due to another crocodile sighting.

According to NParks on its website, the public is advised to stay calm and back away when encountering a crocodile.

“Do not approach, provoke or feed the animal,” said NParks. /TISG

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