Singapore to resume crow shooting operations, why authorities say the move is necessary now

Rising Crow Attacks Prompt Singapore to Restart Shooting Operations After 2020 Halt (Image: Canva)

Singapore’s National Parks Board will resume crow shooting operations from the second half of March following a sharp rise in complaints and attacks linked to the invasive house crow population. Minister Chee Hong Tat said 15,000 crow-related feedback cases and over 2,000 attacks were reported in 2025. Shooting was suspended in 2020 after safety incidents, but authorities say trapping and nest removal alone have not worked. Strict controls will govern the renewed operations.

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Singapore will resume crow shooting operations from the second half of March, as authorities respond to a sharp rise in public complaints and attacks linked to the growing crow population.

The decision was announced by National Parks Board after discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Police Force. Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said other control measures alone were insufficient. Shooting had been halted in 2020 after pellets struck nearby homes during operations conducted by auxiliary officers.

Rising Crow Complaints and Safety Concerns

Officials said complaints have surged sharply. In 2025, about 15,000 crow related cases were reported. That figure is three times higher than 2020. Reports of crow attacks exceeded 2,000 cases. This marks a fourfold rise since 2020. Authorities warned unchecked growth may threaten residents’ safety.

House crows, scientifically called Corvus splendens, are not native locally. They are classified as an invasive species. NParks said they threaten local biodiversity. These birds adapt easily to urban environments. They can become aggressive near their young.

In 2023, attacks occurred in Bishan and Toa Payoh. That prompted intensified trapping and nest removals.

Safety Controls for Shooting Operations

Mr Chee acknowledged risks from firearms. Licensed wildlife contractors will conduct operations. All shooters must follow strict safety rules. They may only discharge weapons upwards. Areas will be cordoned with warning signs. Safety personnel will restrict public access.

NParks said nest removal efforts expanded greatly. Nearly 9,000 nests were removed in 2025. That compares with just over 600 in 2021. Trapped crows increased from 1,800 to 13,000.

Past culling involved the Singapore Gun Club volunteers. That programme ended in the early 2010s. Licences were not renewed, former volunteers told CNA. Authorities also once engaged Certis CISCO. The practice stopped after an officer was jailed. He had shot crows without safety supervision.

Public Response and Enforcement

Some trapping efforts drew public criticism. Hecklers accused NParks of cruelty. Last month, a 77 year old man was fined S$500. He had cut cable ties on a trap. The incident occurred in Toa Payoh in October 2025.

Mr Chee said combined measures are necessary. He hopes shooting will reduce numbers islandwide. Authorities aim to improve public safety. Officials said operations will begin soon.