The shocking news of an alligator killing a two-year-old boy at the Walt Disney World beach in Florida saddened everyone. It also made us realise the importance of being vigilant when you are out at parks, reservoirs, beaches and forested areas.
Even though Singapore is relatively safe, there are still wild animals in both natural habitats and urbanised areas you need to watch out for. Here, the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) provides advisory on what to do if you encounter any of these wild animals. Show your child this gallery so they too can recognise them and be vigilant as well.
Text: AVA / Additional Reporting: Sean Tan
Bats are shy and will usually not attack humans unless they feel threatened or are attacked. You are advised to leave bats alone if they enter your property. They will usually fly off after feeding. To discourage bats from visiting your property, install bright outdoor lights as they prefer dark places.
Civets are shy and will stay out of sight. However, if you do see them, refrain from touching or chasing them as they will attack when provoked or cornered. To avoid attracting civets, keep all cat and dog food safely indoors.
The chances of coming across a crocodile in Singapore is very slim, but they have occasionally been spotted at rivers and reservoirs like the Singapore River, Kallang River, Kranji Reservoir and Pulau Tekong. Generally, if you visit rivers and reservoirs, it is advisable for you and your kids not to get too close to the edges of the water bank. If you ever encounter one, do not approach it, stay calm and back away slowly.
In Singapore, crows are regarded as a nuisance because of their cawing and droppings. Crows can turn hostile especially when you are near their young. To prevent crows from gathering and roosting in your neighbourhood, keep the area free of food litter. Do not leave trash bags outside your garbage bin because crows easily tear apart these bags in their search for food.
Monitor lizards in Singapore can grow to 3 metres long. While monitor lizards kill their prey with their venom, this venom only has a mild effect on humans. Monitor lizards are shy. Do not, however, touch or chase them as they will attack when provoked or cornered. If bitten, see a doctor immediately because the bite can become infected.
With urbanisation, some monkeys are drawn out of the forest and may visit your homes to explore or look for food. Feeding monkeys do not help them in any way. Learn how to minimise contact with them by managing your refuse, keeping food out of sight, and monkey-proof your home. If you encounter them outside in parks, do not feed them or engage them in any way.
Pigeons are a problem because their droppings stain homes and public amenities. They can also spread diseases to humans. In Singapore, you can be fined up to $500 for feeding pigeons. If you have a problem with pigeons in your neighbourhood or home, contact your town council or estate manager. You can also hire a pest control company.
Stay calm if you spot a snake and do not attack it. If the snake is in a room inside your home, take children and pets away from that room and close all the doors and windows except those that lead outside. This is to allow the snake to escape outdoors.
Wild boars are unpredictable animals and can be dangerous. Their teeth can inflict serious injuries. Female wild boars, especially, are dangerous when protecting their young. If you come across a wild boar, keep a safe distance from it. Do not try to feed it. Move away slowly. Do not provoke it by taking a photograph with the flashlight turned on.
A dog may be a man’s best friend, but not all dogs are friendly. There are many stray dogs in Singapore; some live in the forested areas while some can be found in urbanised places. Some strays are friendly but there are also ferocious ones which will chase or bite you if you provoke them. If you encounter a stray dog and it is growling and bearing its teeth (a sign of aggression), do not approach it but stay a safe distance away.