Not all park dwellers are playful otters

Making a splash: A family of otters has taken residency at Tasek Merdeka, a well-known recreational park in Johor Baru. Johor Perhilitan has reminded the public to remain vigilant to their presence.

JOHOR BARU: Visitors to Tasek Merdeka here have been remin­ded to be cautious, as a family of otters has made the popular recreational park their home.

State Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Aminuddin Jamin said while the animals were generally shy, they could turn aggressive if they felt threatened or if visitors attempted to approach them.

“We received an official complaint about an incident earlier this year where a person sustai­ned light injuries after encounte­ring an otter at the park. Upon investigation, we found that the person had tried to approach one of the otters in the pack. One of the adult otters went on the defensive, causing the individual to fall while trying to run away,” he said when contacted.

Aminuddin said the incident should serve as a reminder to the public not to attempt to approach the mammals.

“Otters may look cute and friendly, but they are wild animals. People must always keep this in mind whenever they come across wildlife, especially in public areas.

“We believe the two adult otters have pups, which is why they are very defensive. Like any parent, they will not take kindly to stran­gers coming near their offspring,” he added.

“To avoid incidents between otters and humans, the public should stay away if they come across the animals. They usually will not approach humans unless they feel provoked. So, do not chase after them just to snap a photo,” he said.

While the otters’ presence is a positive sign of a healthy ecosystem at the lake, Aminuddin advi­sed visitors to remain vigilant and keep their distance.

He added that Perhilitan, through its Johor Baru office, would work closely with the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) to monitor the otters and prevent potential human-wildlife conflict.

Meanwhile, MBJB councillor Datuk Sheikh Nafiq Alfirdaous said the council had taken note of the otters’ presence at Tasek Mer­deka and was working with Per­hilitan to manage the situation.

He said the otters likely made the park their home because they eat the lake’s fish.

Sheikh Nafiq added that MBJB has held discussions with Per­hi­li­tan to ensure the safety of both visitors and the animals.

“We are also preparing to put up warning signboards around Tasek Merdeka to remind the pub­lic not to feed or disturb the otters,” he said.