SINGAPORE — A family’s routine car ride took an unexpected turn when a snake appeared on the vehicle’s bonnet and windscreen, eventually making its way to the driver’s side mirror. The unusual encounter was captured in a video shared on December 22 by Facebook user Kenny Yap in the Singapore Wildlife Sightings group, which has over 119,000 members. The footage quickly went viral, sparking a mixture of awe and concern among online viewers.
In the video, the snake can be seen initially perched on the moving car’s windscreen before it slithers over to the side-view mirror as the vehicle comes to a stop. The family inside the car reacts to the surprising hitchhiker with a mix of fascination and surprise. A male voice, speaking in Mandarin, describes the snake as “such a beautiful snake,” while a woman points out its considerable length. A child, clearly startled, repeatedly urges the snake to “go away.”
Several viewers speculated that the snake might be a paradise tree snake (Chrysopelea paradisi), a species commonly found in Singapore. Known for its distinctive green-and-black patterned body, the paradise tree snake is mildly venomous but generally harmless to humans. It is an adept climber, feeding on small prey like lizards, birds, and bats. Additionally, the snake has the remarkable ability to glide between trees by flattening its body and propelling itself through the air, according to the National Parks Board.
The post also prompted a flurry of lighthearted comments from netizens. One user, Kustini Ek, humorously suggested the snake might be trying to “tumpang” (Malay for hitch a ride) to the nearest jungle, while Eileen Esther joked, “Snake year is coming!” in reference to the upcoming Chinese New Year. The Year of the Dragon will give way to the Year of the Snake on January 29, 2025, according to the Chinese zodiac.
As the video gained traction, many commenters expressed concern for the snake’s well-being. In response to a suggestion to “stop nearby if possible and try to save this little guy,” Kenny Yap later posted a follow-up video showing the snake on the ground, seemingly unharmed.
This sighting adds to a growing number of recent snake encounters in Singapore. On November 9, a 4-meter-long reticulated python was spotted near Paya Lebar Square mall. On December 6, another python was found in Eunos after it had regurgitated a cat. Two days later, a python was rescued from a Jurong West Housing Board flat, where it had been seen knocking on a windowpane.
The sighting also prompted a reminder from animal welfare group Acres, which advises the public to stay calm when encountering snakes, particularly non-aggressive species like the paradise tree snake. For those who encounter snakes outside their vehicles, Acres recommends parking safely, remaining inside the car, and allowing the snake to move away on its own. For assistance, members of the public can contact Acres’ Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 9783-7782.
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