Shocking Crow Attacks in Bishan: Residents on High Alert
Last Sunday, a 74-year-old resident in Bishan had a startling encounter with a crow while waiting to hire a vehicle near her HDB block. Ng described the incident to AsiaOne, saying the bird swooped down and struck her on the head. This unexpected attack in broad daylight left her shaken and sparked outrage among residents at Block 110 Bishan Street 12.
Community Concerns Grow
Ng wasn’t alone in her experience; reports indicate that she was attacked just a day later, on February 13. Locals are worried, especially for the elderly and children in the area. According to Shin Min Daily News, within just 20 minutes, ten other individuals also faced similar bird attacks. When AsiaOne visited the area on February 15, several crows were seen diving towards pedestrians on the footpath.
Leong, a long-time Bishan resident of over thirty years, shared her thoughts on the situation. She understands that the birds are simply trying to protect their territory and young ones. “What can we do?” she pondered. “It’s not personal; they’re just being parents.”
Warning Others and Seeking Solutions
Still recovering from her ordeal, Ng has taken it upon herself to warn others about the aggressive crows. She often wears earpieces while walking and tries to alert passersby to avoid the area. “We’re just trying to keep everyone safe,” she explained.
In response to the rising number of crow attacks, the National Parks Board (NParks) is collaborating with Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council to address the issue. Their plan includes removing nests, trimming nearby trees, and humane crow trapping. Since February 7, NParks has been monitoring the situation closely, noting an increase in crow sightings.
Dr. Adrian Loo, the group director of wildlife management, mentioned that while it’s difficult to quantify the rise in sightings, the concern is real. He emphasized that crows can become aggressive if they feel their young are threatened. To manage this, NParks employs humane trapping methods to control the population.
What Can Residents Do?
To help mitigate the situation, residents are encouraged to avoid feeding the birds and to dispose of food scraps properly. Signs have been put up by the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council warning against feeding the crows.
Ng believes that more proactive measures are necessary. She suggests placing warning signs near known crow hotspots to deter residents from using those paths. “We can’t take our safety for granted,” she cautioned, reflecting on the potential dangers lurking in familiar places.
Conclusion
As the community grapples with this unexpected challenge, it’s clear that awareness and caution are key. With the support of local authorities, residents hope to see a reduction in crow attacks and a return to peaceful daily life in Bishan.
For more updates on this situation, stay tuned to local news sources like AsiaOne and Stomp.