Large crocodile captured from Marina East beach to be put down for public safety
Crocodile 'almost 3 metres' in length, and was trapped and removed by NParks after reports were made of its sighting
SINGAPORE - A large crocodile spotted at Marina East Drive on Tuesday (10 October) has been captured by the National Parks Board (NParks), and will be "humanely put down".
In a media statement from NParks, director of wildlife management and outreach, How Choon Beng, said that the captured crocodile measures "almost three metres" in length, and was found near East Coast Park.
Why the crocodile will be humanely put down
The crocodile is of the Estuarine Crocodile species. It is a larger specimen compared to a smaller crocodile that was captured and relocated to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in 2021.
When asked about the decision to euthanise the newly-captured crocodile, How explained that the choice was made due to the risk of the crocodile returning to the location where it was initially captured.
He also said that the crocodile captured two years ago was "assessed to be of a lesser risk to public safety."
In addition, the Wetland Reserve has a large crocodile population, rendering it unsuitable as a release site.
In consideration of the above factors, NParks has decided it will humanely put down the captured crocodile in the interest of public safety.
About Estuarine Crocodiles
Estuarine Crocodiles feed and rest in brackish and freshwater areas, and are usually found in the water or on mudflats, away from visitor routes.
"They hunt mainly at night and in Singapore, and feed mostly on fish, which is its most abundant prey," added How.
Crocodiles have also been spotted at Lower Seletar Reservoir, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, and East Coast Park in Singapore over the years.
What to do should you encounter a crocodile
The public are advised to stay calm and back away should they encounter a crocodile. They should not approach, provoke or feed the animal.
Additionally, warning signs and advisory notices posted in areas where crocodile sightings have occurred should be heeded, said How.
The public may contact the NParks helpline at 1800-4717300 or PUB at 96323261 to report any crocodile encounters. More information on Estuarine Crocodiles can be found on NParks’ website.
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