QuickCheck: Is it safe to pet an otter?

A VIDEO of an otter cosying up to people for pets and treats at a Sabah park has gone viral. The video may give the impression that otters are safe to pet. Is this true?

VERDICT:

FALSE

Sabah Wildlife Department director Dr Augustine Tuuga said due to their territorial nature, otters could attack humans.

“Otters have sharp canine teeth. For the safety of both humans and the otter, it is best not to touch or feed otters when encountering these animals,” he said.

Otters normally eat aquatic animals such as fish, crabs and frogs.

Tuuga gave this advice after a video showing a group of park-goers petting and feeding an otter in the Tun Fuad Stephens Park near Kota Kinabalu went viral on social media.

The otter in the video is believed to be someone's pet.

He said the animal that was recorded in the video is a smooth-coated otter and is a protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.

He said the population of otters in Sabah was unknown but threats to the species include decreasing habitat and food sources as well as poaching.

Tuuga said they are normally found in riverine areas or lakes and are important indicators for healthy riverine habitats.

He said it was not advisable to feed or pet or disturb the animal to avoid any disease transmission and to maintain the otter’s wellbeing.