A highly venomous black spitting cobra has been spotted around Mei Hwan Drive near Serangoon Gardens, prompting searches by the National Parks Board (NParks).
However, the snake remains at large.
NParks group director for wildlife management How Choon Beng told CNA that contractors were activated following each reported sighting, but the cobra was not found during their searches. NParks will continue monitoring the area and plans to relocate any cobra that is subsequently spotted.
Black Spitting Cobras Are Native to Singapore
The black spitting cobra, also known as the equatorial spitting cobra or Naja sumatrana, is native to Singapore.
NParks classifies the species as highly venomous. It can be found in forests, scrubland, gardens and urban areas, and feeds on animals such as rats and toads.
Despite their rather intimidating name, these cobras generally try to avoid people, according to NParks.
When threatened, however, they may raise the front of their body, spread their hood and hiss. The species can also spray venom towards a perceived threat, including towards the eyes. NParks’ species database says the spray can travel more than one metre and may cause serious eye irritation, including temporary loss of vision.
Another black spitting cobra was seen at Pasir Ris Park in March 2026, according to CNA.
What to Do If You See the Cobra
NParks advises anyone who encounters a snake to remain calm and slowly move away instead of trying to approach, chase or handle it.
People should give the snake enough space to retreat, while pets should be kept close and on a tight leash so they do not approach it. Anyone bitten by a snake should seek medical attention immediately.
Residents who need assistance with a snake can contact the Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600, which operates 24 hours a day.
One point worth noting if you have seen pictures circulating online: CNA reported that an unofficial notice in the Mei Hwan Drive neighbourhood used a digitally added image of a cobra. The picture on that notice was therefore not a photograph of the actual snake sighted there.
As of the evening of 23 September, NParks had not located the cobra and was continuing to monitor the area.
