Student, 11, worried for his safety after seeing snake at Bukit Gombak Park

An 11-year-old boy raised safety concerns after coming across a snake while on his way back home from school in Bukit Gombak.

Stomper Junyi, who identified himself as a Primary 6 student from St. Anthony's Primary School, said he spotted the reptile at around 10.52am on August 8.

Junyi told Stomp on August 17: "I saw a man walking nearby and warned him about the wild snake slithering on the drain, and allowed him to go down the staircase first.

"I hope to share this as I feel worried not only for my own safety, but also for the safety of other students who pass by the area and the elderly who cannot defend against or are too uninformed on what to do upon encountering a snake."

Here's what to do if you encounter a snake, according to an advisory by the National Parks Board (NParks):

• Observe from a safe distance, as snakes will not attack unless disturbed or provoked.

• Stay calm and back away slowly, giving it space to retreat.

• Do not approach or attempt to handle the snake.

• Leave it alone, especially if it is in its natural habitat. Call NParks at 1800-476-1600 if you need assistance.

• Keep pets on a tight leash as they might chase the snake and frighten it.

Members of the public who see a wild animal in distress can also call the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) at 97837782.