When a Broom Handle Saves the Day: A Cobra Tale Near Dover MRT
It was a quiet Saturday morning until a 50‑cm black spitting cobra slithered into a suburban garden beside Dover MRT Station. The reptile, unsettlingly friendly at first, turned aggressive the moment anyone approached, prompting a household to act fast.
The First Alert
19‑year‑old Carlos Chua, a resident of the property, noticed the snake hiding behind plastic pails. He shouted a warning: “Keep in, keep out, and leash the beagle!” He kept everyone inside and moved his family’s 12‑year‑old beagle far away from the danger.
Carlos had to leave his home for work at 8:30 a.m., leaving a calm home with no one else around.
The Brave Domestic Helper
She’s been with the family for over 16 years and was called Ms. Mhelyn. When the snake began to hiss and growl, she reached for anything she could – a broom handle was the only tool in that wardrobe.
She tried a gentle approach first: “Could we coax it out?” But the cobra’s agitation only grew. “I didn’t want to kill it at first, but it wouldn’t budge,” she recalled. Determined, she decided to split the problem (literally).
The Broom‑Handle Showdown
Ms. Mhelyn repeatedly struck the snake with the broom handle until it split into two. She then promptly disposed of the carcass. The destruction came at a heavy cost of courage — a classic example of tough decisions made in the heat of the moment.
Why the Black Spitting Cobra is a Threat
- Equatorial spitting cobra – also known as the black spitting cobra.
- Venomous, able to shoot venom from its fangs when threatened.
- While non‑aggressive if left alone, a bite can severely impact the nervous system and is potentially fatal.
Safe Advice from Acres Rescue
Acres Deputy CEO Kalai Vanan said cobras don’t typically attack humans unless provoked: “Attempting to provoke, hurt or kill the snake will only lead to a defensive situation.” Those who encounter a similar crisis should call the Acres rescue hotline: 9783•7782.
In the end, a simple tool and bold action kept the residents safe and the snake out of the neighborhood. Remember, a calm, swift approach is key whenever a venomous visitor runs into your domain.
