Understanding Human-Wildlife Encounters A Call For..

🐍✨ Understanding Human-Wildlife Encounters: A Call for Coexistence 🌿

On 6 March 2024, ACRES received a call on our rescue hotline regarding an Equatorial spitting cobra seen inside an open drain beside a field in a school. According to the cleaner who pinned the snake down with a brush, he was concerned for the safety of the students who were participating in school camp activities about 20m away. When our rescue team arrived, the snake had died possibly from being pinned down. This is a common occurrence and a good example of human-wildlife encounters in our #CityInNature.

The burning questions are – Did the snake deserve to die? Can we do better? Can we empower personnel with knowledge to avoid fear? To put things in perspective, the snake wasn’t going on a rampage killing or biting people. The cobra was just where they are usually sighted in drains with toads and frogs. Their presence is likely transient. In fact, snakes are shy animals and do not seek human presence. By confronting the snake, a venomous one at that, the cleaner (with little snake handling knowledge and skills) was unwittingly putting his own safety at risk!

What to do then, you ask? Firstly, the distance between the snake and the students is more than enough for school staff to calmly gather and move the students to another area. Monitor the snake naturally retreating, from a distance (5m or more). If the snake is moving towards an enclosed area, like the storeroom or office, you can call either of these help lines – ACRES (97837782) or NParks Animal Response Centre (1800-476-1600) for assistance.

Importantly, under the Wildlife Act, harming wildlife carries severe penalties. Our team has engaged with the school, fostering discussions on safe coexistence. We’re pleased to share that the school management is receptive, considering revisions to their wildlife interaction protocols for staff and students.

#Wildlife #WildlifeEtiquette #EquatorialSpittingCobra #SGWildlife #AnimalWelfare #AnimalCruelty #WildlifeAct #CityInNature #ReptilesOfsingapore #SnakesOfSingapore #Herping #Ophidiophobia #BlackSpittingCobra #NajaSumatrana #OutdoorEducation

Source: https://www.facebook.com/625160822979205/posts/8583455429940..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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