Otters stir up debate over coexistence

OTTERS spotted in local waters and elsewhere here have received much media attention recently, including global coverage, but Singapore residents are divided on views over their thriving numbers.

Some people find them a menace, while others call for coexistence with the animals.

The aquatic mammals have been in the limelight following recent incidents, including a jaunt at the Istana last month and an episode where an otter bit a man in the calf at Kallang Riverside Park earlier this month.

International media outlets such as BBC and National Geographic have also reported on otters adapting to Singapore’s urban setting.

On April 6, The Straits Times joined Bernard Seah, 53, and other volunteers from the Otter Working Group on their morning expedition to Alexandra Canal to observe a romp of 14 otters, known famously as the “Zouk family”, go about their morning activities.

The volunteers were among a crowd of more than 20 people lining the canal to watch the otter family forage for their breakfast in the water.

The Otter Working Group is made up of members of the public and various government and animal welfare agencies vested in the welfare of otters.

After an hour in the canal, the otters returned to land and crossed Prince Charles Crescent, sneaking into Tanglin View condominium. Upon being promptly ushered out by a security guard, they made their way into the ponds at the Alexandra Canal water play area.

Bryce Tan, a financial service manager, said it was interesting to be so close to wildlife.

The 38-year-old said: “There are so many high-rise buildings and construction in Singapore that we don’t come close to wildlife, other than birds and insects, very often.”

A handful of people, however, find the otters a threat.

Retired shipping manager Yeo Hock Chew, 73, who lives in Pasir Panjang, said he fears for the safety of his seven koi after otters were seen roaming near his house.

He suggests that the population be controlled by neutering some of the animals.

Graham Spencer, who suffered 20 wounds after being attacked at the Singapore Botanic Gardens by otters believed to be part of the Zouk family last November, said: “I’m badly scarred forever because they are very deep wounds.

“Every now and then, I get dreams and flashbacks of what happened. I’m still trying to get over it.”

Photographer Tan Yong Lin, 32, who tracks otters twice a week, said the idea that the otter population is rising beyond control could be due to the prevalence of their photos on social media.

“When you see a lot of otter content online, there’s the impression that otter numbers are rising. But many people are taking photos of the same family,” he said. — The Straits Times/ANN