Python spotted
in toilet at Upper Thomson shophouse on 2 separate
occasions
SINGAPORE: A snake was spotted in the toilet of a motor parts
store at Upper Thomson Road not once but twice in recent
weeks.
According to the manager of Scotts Motors, Mr Jimmy Lim, employees
saw a snake slithering inside a toilet bowl last Wednesday (Sep 20)
and on a different occasion the previous week.
The store is located along a row of shophouses along Soo Chow Walk
near Thomson Plaza. Mr Lim told Channel NewsAsia that he was unsure
if it was the same snake.
During the latest sighting, an employee was about to use the toilet
when the python slithered up from the toilet bowl.
The employees left the python alone, hoping that it would slither
out of the toilet bowl - but according to Mr Lim it did not. The
snake disappeared back into the sewage pipes after about 30
minutes.
Mr Lim's daughter, who is also an employee of Scotts Motors, took a
video of the latest sighting and posted it on her Facebook page.
The video has been viewed more than 5,000 times as of
Tuesday.
When asked why his daughter published the video, Mr Lim said: "She
posted it to warn people as it is for their safety. Our office is
near other shophouses and private homes. We hope no one will get
hurt because of the snake."
UNSURE HOW PYTHON ENDED UP IN TOILET BOWL:
ACRES
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) deputy chief
executive officer Kalai Vanan told Channel NewsAsia that the snake
is a reticulated python, a species that is commonly sighted across
the island.
He said that these pythons, which are able swimmers, are commonly
found in drains and canals where they predominantly hunt rats.
However, he is unsure how this particular one managed to find its
way up from inside the sewage pipes.
Mr Vanan added that anyone who spots a snake in a toilet bowl
should leave the toilet lid up, close the toilet windows and doors
for an hour or two to see if the snake comes out. They should also
call ACRES for further action to be taken.
"Do not attempt to harm the snake by flushing the toilet with
chemicals," Mr Vanan warned.
"These animals are not out to hurt us. They are adapting and
surviving in our urban landscape and sometimes get lost in awkward
spaces. It's our duty as humans to help animals in such scenarios,"
he added.
He stressed that provoking the python will also result in the snake
becoming defensive, and this could lead to a "conflict
situation".
Source: CNA/am