Otters attack joggers at Perdana Park
Published on: Thursday, September 12, 2024
By:
Jimmy Goh, Sherell Jeffrey, Jessie Lee
Injuries sustained by one of the joggers (pic left) and the victim said doctors advised that stitches could only be administered 4 to 5 days later due to risk of complications from the animal bites.
Kota Kinabalu: Three joggers were injured upon being attacked by at least eight aggressive otters at Perdana Park in Tanjung Aru, Wednesday.
The 6.30am incident raised concerns about wildlife encounters in urban areas. The two women and man were taken to the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital in an ambulance.
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One of the women is receiving treatment for multiple wounds to her arms, legs and head. She was given painkillers, antibiotics and rabies vaccine.
Doctors advised that stitches could only be administered a few days later due to risk of complications from animal bites.
A security guard stationed at the park said the otters suddenly turned aggressive. He saw one of the women fall as the otters charged at her, resulting in multiple injuries.
The otters typically visit the park in the mornings and evenings.
It is understood that park caretakers maintain fish ponds in the area, which are believed to have attracted the otters.
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Residents have reported frequent sightings of otters coming to the ponds to feed on the fish, suggesting that the animals had become accustomed to visiting the area.
The security guard said the otters might have gained access to the park area through nearby drains.
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The guard has since closed off the drains to ensure the otters cannot enter the area again.
Otters have also been spotted in Karambunai and Pantai Dalit in Tuaran, as well as Tun Fuad Jogging Park.
Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) official said initial investigations suggest that the otters entered the park in search of food.
“There is indeed a population of wild otters near the park and we have observed behavioural changes when the public feeds them. Although otters are generally not aggressive, they may become so if provoked or if food is not provided as expected.
“SWD has engaged with park management and advised them to repair the fences to prevent further otter intrusions. SWD has also requested that the park management report any future otter sightings after the repairs.
“Additionally, we recommend that the park management closely monitor the fencing and install signage to minimise interactions between visitors and otters, thereby preventing a recurrence of this situation.
“SWD is also considering translocating the otters as a potential solution, although it will be challenging to implement.
“The public are advised not to feed or provoke any wildlife to prevent animal behaviour changes that could lead to future incidents,” the official said.
Meanwhile, one of the victims said she headed to the park after dropping off the kids at school and began jogging at 6.10am as usual.
About two kilometres into her run she noticed movement from the drainage near Kinabalu Golf Club. “At first I thought it was a cat but they suddenly jumped out and bit me while I was running,” she said.
She said there were a lot of them and she couldn’t even stand. The attack lasted five to 10 minutes. When other joggers came to her rescue, they were similarly attacked.
Some joggers managed to pull her away and the creatures only fled when someone approached with a metal object.
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