Python knocks on 2nd floor Jurong West HDB flat window as if to say 'Hi, let me in'

A reticulated python was rescued on Dec. 8 after it almost entered a second-floor Housing and Development Board flat in Jurong West.

In response to Mothership's queries, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) co-CEO Kalai Vanan Balakrishnan confirmed that they were alerted to a python resting on an aircon compressor at Block 925 Jurong West.

A 54-year-old resident, who only wanted to be identified as Muklis, said passers-by had gone up to his second-floor unit to inform him about the python's unexpected visit, reported The Straits Times.

What happened

Muklis told Mothership that the incident occurred at 11am.

According to ST, he was alerted by two passersby who showed up at his three-room flat to tell him and his wife to close their windows.

They had reportedly seen the python slither up the stairs to the unit.

He heard a "knocking" sound on his master bedroom window seconds after he had closed the kitchen and bedroom windows.

He went into the room to check, and discovered that the sound came from the python.

In footage Muklis shared with Mothership, the python could be seen slithering and hovering over the window pane as the homeowner tapped on the window, seemingly to scare it away.

Muklis said that the python hovered outside the window pane for 10 minutes.

The flat occupant said the snake might have entered the room if the window was open.

He then alerted Acres after making sure the windows were tightly shut.

Muklis added that a green rubbish bin located at the void deck just under his unit may have been the reason behind the python’s appearance.

According to him, the bin attracted "so many crows" but he did not spot any rodents so far.

He also said that the bin has been removed, as of Dec. 10.

Python most likely got scared off by people and birds: Acres

According to Kalai, the python was at a height of about 3.5m, which made the rescue "a bit tricky".

An Acres staff had to use a ladder to climb up and secure the python, which had coiled around the pipes of the compressor unit outside the flat.

A curious crowd looked on as the python was manoeuvred out.

Kalai said the python most likely got scared off by people and birds, which were reportedly mobbing it.

This may have caused it to climb up the unit to seek refuge.

What to do when you spot a snake

The public is advised to remain calm if they encounter a snake in a public or urban area.

As snakes are typically shy animals, people should not approach the snake or attempt to handle it by themselves.

Members of the public are advised to call the Acres hotline at 97837782 for assistance if they come across an injured or distressed wild animal.

Top photos via homeowner & Acres