There is a crocodile somewhere in Pandan Reservoir, and authorities are now searching for it.
National water agency PUB was alerted to the sighting at about 3pm on Thursday, 20 August. It subsequently informed the National Parks Board (NParks), and the two agencies are carrying out search and capture operations at the reservoir.
As of the latest update from The Straits Times at 11.20pm on Thursday, there had been no announcement that the crocodile had been caught.
Pandan Reservoir, which borders Teban Gardens, is Singapore’s largest service reservoir.
All Water Activities at Pandan Reservoir Suspended
PUB has told the Singapore Rowing Association and Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF) to suspend all water activities at the reservoir while the search is under way.
Activities normally conducted there include kayaking, canoeing, canoe polo, dragon boating and rowing. SCF, which operates a public paddling centre at Pandan Reservoir, has also told its affiliates to stop water activities as a precaution.
PUB and NParks are also installing warning signs around the reservoir to alert visitors and advise them to be careful.
It Is Likely an Estuarine Crocodile
Based on a photograph provided to PUB, authorities believe the animal is likely an estuarine crocodile, also known as a saltwater crocodile. The species is known to occur in both the Strait of Johor and the Singapore Strait.
NParks describes the estuarine crocodile as the world’s largest crocodile species, capable of reaching about six to seven metres in length.
They can live in brackish and freshwater environments and are difficult to spot because they often remain submerged. They are mainly nocturnal hunters and feed primarily on fish, although their diet can include other animals.
What to Do If You See the Crocodile
If you encounter a crocodile, NParks advises you to stay calm and back away.
Do not approach, provoke, touch or feed the animal. Visitors should also follow warning signs in the area, remain on designated routes and keep away from the water’s edge.
A sighting can be reported to NParks’ Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600, or to PUB at 1800-2255-782.
Singapore Has Had Several Crocodile Sightings This Year
This is not Singapore’s first crocodile sighting in 2026.
In May, an estuarine crocodile spotted off Sentosa Cove was captured and subsequently put down. NParks said at the time that the decision was made because of public safety considerations and the lack of suitable relocation options.
Another crocodile had been spotted off Sentosa Cove on 31 January. Water activities at Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches were suspended before being allowed to resume about a week later after no further sightings were reported.
For now, anyone heading to Pandan Reservoir should heed the warning signs and stay out of the water while the search continues.
