Several visitors at Yishun Dam were greeted on Sunday morning by the sight of a crocodile leisurely gliding through the waters. Toh Wilson shared a video on the Facebook page Singapore Wildlife Sightings early Monday, showing the reptile swimming some distance from the shoreline, with the Straits of Johor visible in the background. In the footage, a man remarks on the rarity of seeing crocodiles at the dam, noting its infrequent occurrence.
The video quickly gained traction online, amassing over 180,000 views as netizens expressed awe at the crocodile's size. Some humorously remarked on the unexpectedness of encountering a crocodile in Yishun. However, concerns about visitor safety surfaced among commenters, prompting calls for caution and signage around the area.
Responding to inquiries, the National Parks Board (NParks) acknowledged the circulating video. According to NParks' guidelines, encountering a crocodile warrants staying calm, backing away, and refraining from provoking or approaching the animal. NParks encourages the public to report sightings or seek assistance through their Animal Response Centre.
Instances of crocodile sightings in urban areas like Marina East and West Coast Park have previously led to precautionary measures, including warning signs and management actions to ensure public safety.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Screengrab/Facebook/Toh Wilson.