Title: New Intruders in Bedok: Civets Cause Havoc in Homes
Residents of Jalan Chempaka Puteh in Bedok are facing an unexpected nuisance: civets. Known for their nocturnal habits, these critters have been sneaking into homes, causing chaos and concern among the community.
First Encounters with Civets
The trouble began for Su, a 64-year-old teacher, who first spotted a civet in his carpark back in 2018. Unfortunately, his dog ended up killing the creature. Since then, civets have made frequent visits, rummaging through his kitchen and leaving a mess behind. “I had to let one escape from my cabinet,” Su lamented, indicating how persistent these animals have been.
To tackle the problem, Su invested in a trap two years ago. Despite his efforts, he has caught numerous cats instead. “This was my last resort,” he shared. In total, he has managed to catch six civets over the past two years, with the latest capture occurring just last Saturday at midnight.
Costs and Concerns
Each time Su captures a civet, he faces additional costs. “I have to hire a monkey handler for $400 to relocate them,” he explained. The journey to release them at Tanah Merah takes about twenty minutes, adding to the hassle. Beyond the inconvenience, Su worries about potential diseases these animals might carry.
Patricia, another resident, has also been affected. She reported that civets have invaded her home multiple times, stealing fruit and even defecating in her living room. “My son once saw them climbing up the pillars of our house,” she recounted, adding that one incident resulted in a shattered roof that cost her family $2,000 to repair.
Community Concerns
The local residents’ association, represented by Zhong Wuwei, has noted that multiple households have reported similar issues with civets over the past two years. In fact, there have been about ten complaints so far. Zhong mentioned a distressing incident where a civet attacked a pet parrot, which sadly did not survive after a vet visit.
As the sightings of these animals increase, residents are left questioning, “Who is taking our birds?” Many are now hesitant to open their birdcages, fearing that their pets might become the next victims.
Authorities Weigh In
While residents have resorted to trapping civets for their safety, authorities have made it clear that it is illegal to catch wild animals under the Wild Animals and Birds Act. This law, which has been reinforced with increased penalties, aims to protect wildlife.
To prevent these unwelcome visitors, NParks recommends several measures:
– Seal all roof openings.
– Trim trees close to your home.
– Maintain a clean roof and gutter.
These steps can help deter civets from nesting in residential areas.
Staying Safe at Home
As this new issue unfolds, Singaporeans need to be vigilant about food safety and home hygiene. Properly cooking food and ensuring that homes are free of hazards can go a long way in protecting both residents and their pets.
For more information on wildlife management, visit NParks.
In conclusion, the civet invasion in Bedok serves as a reminder for all of us to be more cautious about our surroundings. How can we better protect our homes from these unexpected intruders?