SINGAPORE - A 2m-long reticulated python was found near a coffee shop in Ang Mo Kio on Tuesday (July 26) morning.

It was found in a drain in front of the coffee shop at Block 632, Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4, Shin Min Daily News reported.

Its head was inside the drain, but half of the snake was exposed in the open, said a witness.

Animal rescuers from Acres (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society) first poured water into the drain to ensure the python was not stuck.

They then pulled it from the drain slowly. It took them about 20 minutes to extract the python, which they took away in a gunny sack at 12.30pm.

A large crowd of bystanders gathered during the rescue, photos showed.

Acres deputy chief executive Anbarasi Boopal said that the python was taken to the zoo to be microchipped and will be released.

The microchip is used to track animals in Singapore, and is part of Acres' protocol, she said.

While members of the public thought the python was stuck in the drain, it was likely taking a "snooze", said Ms Boopal, adding that it was not injured.

"Pythons feed on rats, and food places attract rats, thus in turn attracting pythons," she told The Straits Times.

The pythons, which are the most common snake in Singapore, use storm drains to move around.

They feed at night and try to find a shady place to sleep in during the day. This can be in drains, monsoon canals, nature areas or trees.

"It may have been feeding in the area the night before and was snoozing inside the drain," she said.

She advised those who come across the pythons to let them be, as they will eventually move away.

"They are shy and try to move away from people," Ms Boopal explained.

However, if the pythons appear to be injured or stuck, members of the public can give Acres a call on their 24-hour hotline 9783 7782 for advice or help, she said.