Teck Whye coffee shop patrons encounter large python, grab its tail, pin it down with broom & chair

Patrons and passers-by at a Teck Whye coffee shop recently found themselves in the company of an unusual guest — a reticulated python.

The wildlife encounter was captured on video and shared on Facebook by user Lin Na (transliteration) on Aug. 13.

Startled

The almost five-minute long video showed patrons and passers-by attempting to remove the snake from the premises.

According to the post and from what can be seen in the clip, the encounter occurred at a coffee shop near Block 145 in Teck Whye.

As the camera panned over, it became obvious what was at the centre of attention.

A rather huge snake was slithering along the edge of the coffee shop's tiled roof.

Based on its size and skin pattern, the snake appeared to be a reticulated python.

"Wa, big snake," several onlookers could be heard exclaiming in Mandarin as the snake slowly slithered along.

"It's going home, it's going home," one man said before another was heard cussing in disbelief in Hokkien.

A man in purple appeared to step up onto a chair to get a better and closer view of the snake, while another man with white hair reached toward the creature with a broom.

At that moment, the python fell off the edge of the roof, eliciting screams of panic from the crowd.

The reptile hurriedly slithered away from the crowd and toward the interior of the coffee shop.

Several men followed.

Sacked

One man attempted to grab it by its tail.

The startled python continued trying to move away from the crowd, but was stopped after being grabbed by its tail again.

The reptile was dragged out of the coffee shop's interior, and subsequently pinned to the ground by a broom, causing the snake to rear its head back in defence.

After being continuously prodded with the broom, the python lunged.

Two minutes in, three men could be seen continuing the attempt to capture the creature.

Another man in white shorts eventually pinned the python down using a chair.

It was eventually wrangled into a white sack.

The clip ended with cheers and applause.

It is not clear from the video what happened to the python after.

&ab_channel=NewsVideos

Methods could have injured snake: Acres

Responding to queries from Mothership, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society's (Acres) CEO Kalai Vanan shared that its wildlife rescue team attended to the incident after receiving a call.

Kalai confirmed that Acres rescued the snake.

The team noted some abrasions on the snake when it was picked up.

The python is currently under observation, and will be released back to the wild.

He urged members not to attempt to capture wildlife on their own.

"It is unfortunate that members of the public took matters into their own hands," Kalai commented.

"We strongly urge the public not to approach or attempt to catch wildlife on their own. The methods used in this case were inappropriate and could have injured the snake — a protected species under Singapore law.

Such actions also put people at serious risk of injury."

"If you encounter a wild animal in distress, please call the Acres Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 9783 7782 immediately so our trained team can respond safely and humanely," Kalai said.

What to do if you come across a python?

Reticulated pythons are native to Singapore and can grow to over 9m in length.

These non-venomous constrictors can often be found in urban areas, but are usually shy, and will not attack unless disturbed or provoked.

Anyone who comes across a snake should keep calm and maintain a safe distance from the animal.

The snake should be left alone, especially if it is in its natural habitat.

Apart from Acres, members of the public can also call the the National Parks Board's (NParks) helpline at 1800 476 1600 if assistance is required.

Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to kill, trap, take or keep wildlife.

Top image via Lin Na / Facebook.