Croc spotted in drain captured

The reptile was spotted in a drain in Sungei Kadut. Officers from the National Parks Board and trained contractors secured and transferred it to a crocodile farm. PHOTOS: PHOTOS: ALL SINGAPORE STUFF/FACEBOOK, EVERYDAY SG/FACEBOOK
Photos of the crocodile - which was spotted in Sungei Kadut - tied up and lying on the pavement were circulated online. It is believed to be about 3.4m long.
Photos of the crocodile - which was spotted in Sungei Kadut - tied up and lying on the pavement were circulated online. It is believed to be about 3.4m long. PHOTO: ALL SINGAPORE STUFF/FACEBOOK

A crocodile was caught after it was spotted in a drain in Sungei Kadut yesterday.

National Parks Board (NParks) director of wildlife management How Choon Beng said NParks was alerted to the sighting of an estuarine crocodile in a drain in Sungei Kadut Drive at 8.20am.

NParks officers worked with trained contractors to secure the crocodile, which has been transferred to a crocodile farm, Mr How said.

Videos taken of the crocodile and shared on social media yesterday show the reptile in a drain. Photos of the crocodile were circulated online as well.

The Straits Times understands that the crocodile is about 3.4m long and was believed to have entered the drainage system from Sungei Pang Sua.

National water agency PUB told ST that its officers will be patrolling the surrounding drains in Sungei Kadut and the nearby Kranji Reservoir over the next few days in case there are other crocodiles.

In February, an estuarine crocodile was sighted at Lower Seletar Reservoir. It was caught by the authorities as a safety precaution, as the area is popular for water activities such as kayaking and fishing.

It was reported in March that there are at least 20 estuarine crocodiles in Singapore today.

Members of the public are advised to stay calm and back away slowly should they encounter a crocodile, and should not approach, provoke or feed the animal.

The public can call the Animal Response Centre on 1800-476-1600 or visit www.avs.gov.sg/feedback to report such encounters.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 22, 2019, with the headline Croc spotted in drain captured. Subscribe