Singapore — A photographer who witnessed a potentially dangerous encounter between a crocodile and park visitors urges people to respect animals and give them their space.
The photographer, a Facebook user, shared his experience with the Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network Flora & Fauna page. He said he didn’t mean to scare anyone but just to send a message to others.
While at the park, he said, came across a saltwater crocodile about two metres long, resting by a fence.
That day, the tide was very high, and he figured the croc was trying to stay out of the water. “It was just lying there, keeping its mouth open at times (probably venting heat),” he noted.
But as visitors came by, they were “amazed and naturally wanted to take photos, some tried going closer”.
“I’m no expert, but (it) looked like this croc was agitated and turned to face the people on the path. It did attempt to get on the path, but only its head got through,” he said.
This was when he warned everyone to move back and give the crocodile its space. Despite his signalling them to wait for the croc to return to the water, several tried walking across.
“Looked like the croc got agitated again and this time pushed its way even further out. Luckily, the fence did its job.”
He wondered if the visitors realised the potential danger they were in, “I really don’t know what’s the hurry to get across. And if anything were to happen, the poor croc might get blamed,” he added.
So he notified the National Parks Board (NParks) of the sighting and stayed at the scene until NParks staff arrived.
“Fully agree with you; everyone should feel fearful of the croc even if its head is sticking out. This is a very strong reptile that can just snack break the fence, and charge quickly to anyone that look like food,” a netizen commented on the post.
On its website, NParks advises people to stay calm and back away when spotting a crocodile. “Do not approach, provoke or feed the animal,” it added. /TISG