Facebook user Hirule Leo shared an alleged sighting of a King cobra, purportedly at Changi End, in the grass patch near Changi Beach.
The photo was shared on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook page, as Leo urged the public to be careful if they are in the area.
In the photo, the snake could be seen slithering on the grass while being surrounded by what appears to be crows.
Leo also alerted the people nearby because there were students around at the time cleaning up the beach, and he also tagged ACRES in his post.
A netizen commented and said that the location of the snake sighting was near a sculpture of a finger pointing towards the sky, along the Changi Coast Track (the Inscription Of The Island statue).
Up to 5-metres long
King cobras, also known as Ophiophagus hannah, are one of the most venomous snakes in the world. These snakes are mainly found in the jungles of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, where they are known to be one of the top predators in their ecosystem.
King cobras are known for their distinctive appearance, with their long, slender body and their hooded head. They can grow up to 5 meters in length and weigh around 9kg. Despite their intimidating size, king cobras are timid and avoid confrontation with humans unless provoked.
Potent venom
The venom of the king cobra is extremely potent and can cause severe damage to the human body. The venom contains a neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system, leading to paralysis, respiratory failure, and ultimately, death. The venom also has cardiotoxic properties, which can cause the heart to stop beating.
The venom of a king cobra can kill a human within a matter of hours, making it one of the deadliest snakes in the world. Even a small amount of venom can cause a fatal reaction in a person, and there is no known antivenom for the king cobra venom.
In addition to being dangerous to humans, king cobras are also a threat to other animals in their habitat. They are known to prey on other venomous snakes. They are also known to eat lizards, rodents, and other small animals.
Despite their venomous nature, king cobras play an important role in the ecosystem. They help to control the population of other snakes and small animals, and their presence in the jungle indicates a healthy ecosystem.
What to do if you encounter a King cobra
- Remain calm
The first and most important thing to do is to remain calm. King cobras are aggressive snakes and can become more dangerous if they feel threatened. Stay still and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the snake.
- Keep your distance
King cobras can strike from a distance of up to 8 feet, so it is important to keep your distance. If you see a king cobra, back away slowly and try to put as much distance between you and the snake as possible.
- Do not attempt to touch the snake
This may seem obvious, but it is important to never attempt to touch or handle a king cobra. Even if the snake appears to be calm, it can still be extremely dangerous.
- Call for professional help
If you come across a king cobra, do not attempt to handle it on your own. Instead, call for professional help. You can contact NParks at 1800-476-1600 if you require assistance.
