OTTERS are generally regarded as harmless by many, and they would be forgiven for thinking so given how adorable they can look.
However, a clip making the rounds on social media seems to show otherwise as several of the animals are seen running along a drain towards a woman while she is jogging, before attacking her.
It is said that the incident happened in Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu.
Did this really happen there?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Niun confirmed that a report was received about the attack and a team was sent to investigate.
The attack occurred on Wednesday (Sept 11) morning, with no further information available on the victim's condition at the time of writing.
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Niun noted that this is the first reported case of otters attacking a human in the city, as they are generally peaceful creatures and typically only become aggressive if threatened or provoked.
Niun advised the public against getting close to otters, although they appear friendly, to avoid any transmission of diseases and to maintain the animals' well-being.
He added that owing to their territorial behaviour, otters may attack humans with their sharp canine teeth.
Otters are protected wildlife under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, and are usually found in riverine areas or lakes.
The total population is unknown in Sabah but their presence is an important indicator of healthy riverine habitats.
