A huge python was spotted coiling atop the shelter outside some shops near the Bukit Batok wet market on April 28, 2018.

As can be seen from a video shared by Vins & Annette Singh, the python appeared to have killed a rat, which was lying on the ground, as it did not have the chance to consume it.

A curious crowd gathered to gawk at the python, with many of the onlookers holding out their phones to capture videos and photos of it.

Python likely attracted by rats at the market, according to ACRES

The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore) (ACRES) was informed and activated this morning to deal with the python.

Speaking to Mothership.sg, Deputy Chief Executive of ACRES Kalai Vanan explained it is not unusual to spot pythons in Singapore and areas with rats tend to attract pythons.

We got the call about the python today morning. It is our native reticulated python which was sighted at a wet market. We believe the python was eating a rat when it was first sighted. The snake had gone back into some roof gap and could not be located. However, there is nothing to be worried about. Rats and small birds do tend to use roofing areas as homes and the snake probably decided to stay there to find food. Areas like wet markets do tend to attract rats and this in turn will attract pythons who are great at controlling rat populations. We urge the public to not be alarmed or provoke or handle the snake.

The python is still at Bukit Batok as ACRES could not find it.

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What to do if you encounter a snake

Reticulated pythons are common in Singapore. They are good swimmers and climbers, and eat rats and small mammals.

They are not venomous, although like all large animals, they can be dangerous if provoked into aggression.

If you happen to encounter one, the best thing to do is to keep your distance and not startle it.

If it is aggressive, you may want to call the ACRES wildlife rescue hotline for help at 9783 7782.

Top photo collage from Vins & Annette Singh's video and Obbana Rajah's video

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