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8 Facts About the Crocodile Sightings Near Pasir Ris Park You’ve Got to Know

2017-08-08 , 9:04 pm

Last Updated on 2020-02-17 , 8:49 pm

Going for a chalet in Pasir Ris Park soon? Well, you’d better stay away from the beach if you can. At least temporarily. Today, it was reported that due to crocodile sightings in the popular beach, signs, and advisories have been put up on the beach to warn beach-goers.

Here are eight facts about this you might want to know.

When did it happen?

According to Channel NewsAsia, there were two sightings of crocodiles being reported to NParks in the past week. Now, do note that these are just cases that were reported: in social media, people have also circulated images and videos of the sightings, with one of them garnering well over 6K Shares in less than a day.

What’s the authority’s response?

As mentioned, signs and advisories have been placed there to warn the public about the crocodiles. The place is however not closed to the public.

They are currently monitoring the situation and will take steps to remove the crocodiles should they appear in public areas again.

What should the public do when they come across them?

They should move away slowly and do not approach them. Stay calm and leave them alone. If possible, call the NParks helpline at 1800-471 7300.

What are these crocodiles?

Scary as this may sound, they’re actually pretty common in Singapore. They’re known to be in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and also the northern coasts of Singapore.

They are usually swimming freely in the Straits of Johor, which you can see from the image below (the black colour line).

However, for them to swim into an area that we can see isn’t common.

How did this happen?

Well, since they usually swim around the Straits of Johor, it’s not unusual that they lose their way and eventually venture into an area that is “off-limits” to them.

Are the crocodiles dangerous?

All crocodiles are dangerous, but its main food is fishes, small animals and birds. Still, it’s imperative that you do not approach it. They can grow up to 9 metres long!

Is this common?

Also known as the saltwater crocodile, sightings of them are relatively rare in public but not that uncommon in places like estuaries and reservoirs. Here’s someone spotting it in Sungei Buloh Wetland Park.

Is it only in Pasir Ris Park?

There were reports of a crocodile sighted in Sembawang, near the causeway area, last month.

It was, however, swimming not near any public areas.