Numerous crow attacks at Bishan block unnerves residents
Safety concerns as crows turn aggressive in the past two weeks, NParks has been taking action to cull the birds
UPDATE: The National Parks Board (NParks) responds to reports of attacks by the crows over the past week.
SINGAPORE — Crows have been attacking residents near Block 110 Bishan Street 12, and were seen swooping down 10 passers-by within 20 minutes, according to Shin Min Daily News.
The Chinese newspaper reported that several of these crows were perched on the lamppost next to the HDB flat's walkway on Monday (13 February), and would fly down without warning to peck at pedestrians.
A woman in her 20s was observed having to squat down as a form of defence. Even when she tried to stand up, the crow attacked her again by pulling on her hair.
The crows were also seen cawing at a young boy as he approached the lamppost, and then swooping down to attack when he walked past. Fortunately, the boy managed to dodge the birds.
Growing concerns among residents on the attacks
The attacks have sparked concerns among residents over the safety of children or the elderly, particularly if the crows target their eyes.
According to Shin Min, resident Ms Lin said that even though the crows have been raking up so much noise over the past few days, she never thought they would attack people.
Another long-time resident, Ms Cai, who lived in Bishan for 20 years, shared this is the first time that such a thing has happened, and the recent attacks have only been happening over the past two weeks.
Shin Min reported that the area near the walkway could be a crippled crow's territory. Whenever people got too near, other crows would start to caw loudly, as if "warning" them to stay away. If their "warnings" are not heeded, two of the crows would swoop down and attack the unfortunate passers-by.
NParks removes nests, traps crows
NParks said on Wednesday (15 February) that it is working with the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council to reduce the crow population near Block 110 following the attacks.
In addition to removing crows' nests from the area, it has been pruning trees and trapping crows since 7 February, said Dr Adrian Loo, NParks' group director of wildlife management.
According to Dr Loo, NParks uses suitable and science-based depopulation techniques such as removing food sources and modifying habitats to make them less conducive to the birds to ensure humane and safe population control.
He added, “House crows are not native and are an invasive species in Singapore, posing a threat to our native biodiversity. Additionally, they are particularly protective of their young and may attack when the chicks are in the nest or when they sense that their young are threatened.”
NParks lists why crows might attack
According to the National Parks Board (NParks) website, crows might attack people for several reasons.
"It may be the fledging season (May - June) in which the young crows are learning to fly. The parents are very protective during this period and would attack if you are close to the young (limited to a small area)."
NParks also said another reason is that if people have invaded their territory, the crows view you as a threat.
"They are grudge-holding birds, and you may have accidentally offended one of them."
If one encounters hostile crows, NParks advises the public to call the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) at 1800-476-1600.
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