2-year-old bitten by likely python outside Asian Civilisations Museum in S'pore

A 2-year-old girl visiting from China was bitten by a snake outside the Asian Civilisations Museum on Sunday night, 4 October 2026.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received the call at about 10.25pm at 1 Empress Place, the museum's address, AsiaOne reported. The toddler was taken to KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

NParks said the snake was likely a reticulated python, which is non-venomous.

On the footpath

The family was on a night stroll along the footpath outside the museum when the snake struck, a relative told China's Xiaoxiang Morning Herald.

The bite turned red and swollen at once, and the girl kept crying in pain, the relative said.

She was placed under observation at the hospital.

No snake found

NParks officers searched the area right after the bite but found no snake, said How Choon Beng, NParks' group director of wildlife management.

Based on photos sent to the agency, NParks identified it as a likely reticulated python. NParks will keep monitoring Empress Place and relocate any snake spotted there.

Reticulated pythons are native to Singapore.

If you see a snake

Many kababayans walk children or elderly employers along the Singapore River in the evening. NParks advises:

1. Keep a safe distance, stay calm and back away slowly.
2. Do not try to handle, trap or corner the snake. Leave it alone, especially in its natural habitat.
3. If bitten, see a doctor right away, even if the snake may be non-venomous.

For urgent wildlife help, call the NParks Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600. In an emergency, call 995.