KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Wildlife Department rangers are having difficulty capturing the otters that attacked and hospitalised a woman jogger two weeks ago.
“They are elusive,” said department director Roland Niun, explaining that traps were set in various locations within Perdana Park following the attack on Sept 11.
However, only a few otters have taken the bait so far.
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“Rangers were immediately deployed for observation, and traps were set the next day.
“But in the past week, the otters have not returned,” he said, adding that the playful, intelligent mammals have likely moved on to find other food sources.
Otters are commonly seen in bodies of water around Kota Kinabalu, including the jogging tracks at Bukit Padang and Likas Sports Complex, as well as golf courses.
Although no other incidents have been reported, rangers are taking precautions to ensure public safety.
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“Otters move across different locations in search of food, and they are likely to appear anywhere there’s water. It’s part of their survival instinct,” Niun said.
As otters’ natural habitats shrink, more of them are expected to appear in urban areas.
Relocating the animals is not feasible, as many of these locations are their natural habitat.
“Their presence in urban areas is likely to increase, similar to what we have seen in Singapore where otters have adapted to city life,” Niun explained.
He described the recent attack as an isolated incident, noting that otters are typically shy and only become defensive if they feel threatened.
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Niun added that only 20 cases of otter attacks were reported worldwide from 2011 to 2021.
He recommended placing signboards at recreational parks or any areas where otters are seen, warning visitors not to approach or feed them.
“Putting up fences around public areas could also help, as otters’ limbs are meant for swimming and cannot be used for climbing,” he added.
Niun noted that under Section 39 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, landowners are responsible for mitigating risks involving protected wildlife.
“These signs should caution the public against feeding, petting, or interacting with the otters, as they could become aggressive if they feel unsafe,” Niun said.
He emphasised that the department’s role in this case is merely advisory, and it should not be blamed for the situation.
“We are not pest control. Our duty is to protect these animals. It’s the public’s responsibility to avoid feeding or approaching them, which can lead to danger,” he said.
There have been instances of people feeding and playing with otters due to their energetic and playful nature.
“This must stop, as otters are solitary and territorial by nature. Like any animal, they will defend themselves if disturbed, much like a chicken chasing someone who comes too close,” Niun added.
He said the department would continue monitoring otter movements and take steps to mitigate risks to both the animals and the public.
