A guy trekking in Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was surprised to observe a crocodile resting close beside the foot track he was on.
Mr Matthew Kwa's sole barrier to the saltwater crocodile, which he believed to be 3m to 4m long, was a wooden fence that the National Parks Board (NParks) had built in 2018 specifically to deter the reptiles from jumping onto walkways.
"It remained stationary the entire time." "I happened to see it while walking," claimed Mr Kwa, who came across the reptile about 1.20pm.
"The only time I read about crocs along the route was before they built the fence, when crocs could readily cross across." "Anyone would be startled if they saw it up close," he remarked.
"i kept an eye on it as I moved ahead because no one could be certain the barrier would stop the crocodile."
Crocodiles are commonly observed sunning and swimming at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, although they have been spotted in other sections of the island as well.
The reptiles have been observed in Changi, Pasir Ris, and Lower Seletar, with the most recent sighting being at East Coast Park.
While the International Union for Conservation of Nature categorized crocodiles as "regionally extinct" in Singapore in 1996, research has revealed that they have never left the Republic's waterways.
The estuarine crocodile, which has been observed in area waterways since the early 1800s, is the species present here.
Fortunately, the crocodile sightings has been harmless thus far but we must remain vigilant.
In a heartbreaking event recently, a young child went missing in Malaysia after a crocodile took him underwater right in front of his father's eyes.
The attack occurred last Thursday (1st Dec 2022) morning off the coast of Lahad Datu in Sabah, according to Malaysian news site Bernama.
A crocodile was seen rising from the river with the one-year-old boy's body in its mouth in a Facebook video published the same day.
His distressed father, who had a serious gash on his head, wailed as he explained what had occurred to onlookers.
"Who asked you to run just now, isn't [your child] already eaten by the crocodile?" said another guy in Malay.
According to Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station head Sumsoa Rashid, the father and kid were rowing a boat at sea when they were attacked by a crocodile.
In recent years, some small toddlers have been prey to voracious crocodiles.
A two-year-old child in Cambodia was devoured by crocodiles in July 2019 after stumbling into an enclosure at her family's property.
Her father eventually discovered the reptiles battling over her body, with only her skull still intact.
The police stated the girl had left the home to play on the field around the crocodile farm behind the house.
Despite a three-metre-high fence surrounding the enclosure, children of sufficient size could fall through the gaps, they added.
While there are 25 species of crocodilians, not all of them are dangerous to humans. To physically devour a person, these reptiles must be 8 feet or greater, and not all species reach that size.
The species found here is the estuarine crocodile, which has been recorded in local waters since the early 1800s.
Estuarine crocodiles are native to Singapore and feed mostly on fish, said Dr Adrian Loo, group director of wildlife management at the National Parks Board (NParks).
Also known as saltwater crocodiles, they can reach more than 5m in length, according to NParks' website.
It's difficult to say how many people are devoured by crocs each year since huge crocs frequently live in secluded forests and marshes. Because many attacks overseas are not reported to police, the figures are not correct. Crocodiles are thought to take between 300 and 1,000 individuals every year, according to some reports.
The majority of them are either Nile or Saltwater Crocodiles. In India, the Mugger Croc is also responsible for a large number of deaths.
SCENARIOS TO AVOID WITH CROCODILES
Avoid swimming in croc-infested areas.
This seems obvious, but if there is a sign indicating that they are nearby, it is most likely there for a purpose.
Avoid swimming around dusk or at night.
Swimming around dusk or at night in croc territory is not recommended since crocodiles frequently hunt at these times. Even if crocs aren't expected, you should swim with caution at certain periods.
Don’t get within fifteen feet of a crocodile
Especially in a crocodile sighting areas since they are shockingly swift at close range.
Avoid walking at the water's edge.
In fact, remaining around 15 feet from the edge of the water sides at all times is advised in croc reported areas.
Avoid camping near bodies of water.
In areas where crocs live, it is advised that you put up tent no closer than 50m from the water.
Campers have gone missing when crocs emerged from the river and abducted them from their campgrounds.
Never take water from the same location repeatedly.
Crocs hunt in ingenious ways. If they notice someone accumulating water in one location on a river, they will migrate to that location, submerge, and wait.
Avoid crocodile nests
Like other moms in the animal realm, crocodiles are ferocious while defending their offsprings
DO NOT FEED THE CROCS
Giving food to a crocodile is not only illegal and hazardous in most locations, but it also educates crocs to link people with food!
This leads to further confrontations, which are disastrous for either the human or the croc, who will almost certainly have to be killed.
DO NOT KILL or HARM the CROCODILES
While crocodiles were hunted during the colonial era, anybody who kills one today faces a $50,000 fine and up to two years in prison.
"If members of the public come into contact with a crocodile, they should remain calm and back away carefully," Dr Loo advised.
"They should not approach the animal, irritate it, or feed it."
The public may also contact NParks on 1800-471-7300.