KOTA KINABALU - A group of otters attacked an individual at a recreational park in Tanjung Aru on Wednesday morning.
According to the Sabah Wildlife Department (JHL) director Roland Oliver Niun, a team was dispatched to the location to investigate the incident.
Initial investigations revealed that the otters had entered the park to search for food in a nearby pond.
"There is indeed a population of wild otters near the park, and we have also observed a change in their behaviour when the public feeds them.
"Although otters are generally not aggressive, they may become aggressive if provoked or if food they expect is not provided,” he told Sinar on Wednesday.
He added that JHL Sabah has contacted the park management and advised them to fix the fences in the area to prevent future otter intrusions.
"JHL also requested the park management to report any sightings of otters after the fence repairs are made.
"We suggested that the management closely monitor the condition of the fence and install signs to reduce interaction between visitors and otters to prevent similar incidents from occurring,” he said.
Roland also added that JHL Sabah is considering relocating the otters, although implementing this is challenging.
"However, the public is also advised not to feed or provoke any wildlife to avoid interactions with humans and prevent behavioural changes in animals that could lead to unwanted incidents in the future,” he said.
Earlier, a video showing a group of otters attacking a female victim at the recreational park went viral on social media.
The incident occurred while the victim was exercising with friends, resulting in injuries that required medical attention.