A highly venomous black spitting cobra was spotted near Singapore's Serangoon Gardens, and the National Parks Board has not yet located it.
The sighting has put the residential area on alert as the National Parks Board (NParks) continues to monitor for the native snake.
Here's what to know
Residents reported seeing a black spitting cobra, or Naja sumatrana, near Mei Hwan Drive, according to The Straits Times.
NParks group director of wildlife management How Choon Beng said that "Following each reported sighting, contractors were activated immediately to survey the area and locate the snake."
Because the species is highly venomous, NParks said it will continue monitoring Serangoon Gardens and relocate the animal if spotted. However, those searches have not found the cobra.
This sighting comes amid other reports of the species in 2026. According to The Straits Times, people have posted several sightings of black spitting cobras on social media, while wildlife photographers on Facebook have shown the snake in places including Pasir Ris Park, Kent Ridge Park, and Chinese Garden.
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More background
Where prey such as rodents and amphibians are available, NParks says black spitting cobras may appear in parks, gardens, and urban areas of Singapore. The agency said the species is native to Singapore.
In neighborhoods shaped by landscaping, drainage systems, and food sources that can support smaller animals, people and wildlife can come into closer contact. Encounters like this often reflect the reality of shared spaces between humans and wild animals, rather than an animal wandering far beyond its usual range.
According to NParks, a cobra that feels threatened may hiss, lift itself, and flare its hood, and black spitting cobras can also eject venom if cornered or provoked. Even so, How said that while these cobras are highly venomous, "they are generally shy and prefer to avoid humans."
A snake reported near a residential road can disrupt everyday routines for residents, pedestrians, and pet owners moving through the area.
What's being done?
Monitoring of Serangoon Gardens will continue, The Straits Times reported, and NParks plans to relocate any cobra seen there. The agency's response has focused on repeated surveys after each reported encounter, even though it has not yet found the snake.
Every reported sighting has led NParks to activate contractors to survey the area. The agency has continued searching and watching for another appearance, but the snake has slipped away before teams could locate it.
If someone encounters a snake in a public area, NParks advised them to keep a safe distance, remain calm, and slowly back away so the animal has room to retreat.
NParks also said pet owners should keep animals on a short leash so they don't go near and alarm the snake. People seeking help with wildlife matters can use its helpline at 1-800-476-1600.
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