Black Spitting Cobra Sightings Near Mei Hwan Drive

A black spitting cobra (Naja sumatrana) was reported near Mei Hwan Drive in Serangoon Gardens. NParks sent contractors to search after reported sightings, but they had not located the snake as of reports on 23–24 September 2026. The agency said it would continue monitoring the area. Those reports do not establish where the snake is now—or whether every sighting involved the same animal. 326

Where else has it been seen in Singapore?

The black spitting cobra is native to Singapore, not necessarily an escaped animal. NParks lists forests, scrubland and gardens among its habitats, and says it can also be encountered in suburban areas, drains and houses. It feeds on small animals such as rats and toads. 171822

There have also been reports of spitting cobras in Bishan, including near Bishan Street 23 and Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park. Those reports are separate from the Mei Hwan Drive sightings and do not indicate that a snake travelled between the areas. 24

How dangerous is it?

NParks describes the species as highly venomous. When provoked, it may raise the front of its body, spread its hood and hiss. If that warning fails, it can spray venom toward a perceived threat’s eyes; NParks says the spray can travel more than a metre and may cause discomfort or temporary blindness if it enters the eyes. Its bite is also dangerous. 2229

That does not mean a cobra will pursue people. NParks says snakes generally try to avoid humans and are more likely to defend themselves when disturbed or provoked. The safest response is to give one space rather than test its behaviour. 11

What should residents and pet owners do?

• If you see a snake, stay calm and back away slowly. Keep children and others at a safe distance, leave the snake room to retreat, and do not approach or try to handle it. 1112
• Keep pets away. Keep dogs leashed, prevent them from investigating a snake and bring pets inside if one is nearby. Seek urgent veterinary help if a pet may have been bitten or sprayed in the eyes. 28
• Get help if it remains nearby. For a snake persisting on a property or in a public area, call NParks’ 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600. Do not try to capture it yourself. 1214
• Treat exposure as urgent. After a suspected bite, seek emergency medical care immediately. If venom enters someone’s eyes, flush them promptly with plenty of water and seek urgent medical care; NParks warns that eye exposure can impair vision. 22