Python boards Woodlands bus without paying fare, rescued by Acres

Passengers on bus 901M on Oct. 21 were joined by an unexpected commuter, one that wasn't human.

A python had boarded the bus without paying the fare, but the real concern arose when it went missing after being spotted.

A Mothership reader said that the incident occurred at around 9:30pm near Christ Church Secondary School.

Speaking to Mothership, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) CEO Kalai Vanan confirmed that the juvenile reticulated python was rescued on Oct. 22 and will be released back into wildlife.

Disappeared after first sighting

A video shared by the reader showed the snake gliding over the bus windscreen.

An employee of SMRT Corporation, which operates bus 901M, was seen standing behind it near the driver's seat.

According to Kalai, Acres conducted a thorough search of the vehicle following a report of the sighting.

However, the team was unable to locate the animal.

Snake likely sought warmth, entered bus through gaps: Acres

The Acres Wildlife Rescue team received another call on the morning of Oct. 22 after the python was seen again in the bus.

It was later found coiled beneath a seat at the back of the bus.

Kalai said that the snake was "safely" and "humanely" rescued, and will be released back into its natural habitat.

He added: "Snakes, including reticulated pythons, are naturally shy animals and tend to avoid human contact.

They are often misunderstood but play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by keeping rodent populations in check.

In this case, the python is believed to have sought warmth, which may explain how it entered the bus through small gaps."

When encountering a snake or any wild animal in distress, the public is advised to remain calm, keep a safe distance, and contact Acres at 97837782 for assistance.

Mothership has reached out to SMRT for comment.

Top images by Mothership reader & Acres