Otters might seem cuddly and harmless, but they can also be unexpectedly vicious.
On Wednesday (11 Sept) morning, joggers at a park in Sabah, Malaysia faced an unusual and violent encounter with a group of otters.
The attack began when a woman was suddenly ambushed by the otters, who mauled her with ferocity.
According to Sin Chew Daily, the incident occurred at around 6.30am at Perdana Park in Kota Kinabalu.
The animals bit and clawed at her, causing severe wounds and profuse bleeding.
Image courtesy of MS News reader
Several runners, upon hearing the woman’s cries for help, rushed to her aid and attempted to drive the otters away.
At least two of these individuals were also injured in the process.
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The female jogger sustained severe injuries to her legs, arms, and head.
Authorities promptly transported her to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Source: Sabah Info on Facebook
According to the Sabah Info Facebook page, the injured jogger did not provoke the otters prior to the attack.
Sabah Wildlife Department Director Roland Oliver Niun confirmed that this is the first reported otter attack the department has received.
Image courtesy of MS News reader
A team is currently investigating the incident to determine why the otters behaved aggressively and to track their habitat.
Mr Niun cautioned the public to maintain a safe distance from otters, as they can become aggressive if provoked or threatened.
Otters are a protected species under the law.
Although they have been spotted on golf courses and near lakes in the past, they have generally not exhibited aggressive behaviour or attacked humans.
Also read: Woman Chased By Otters At West Coast Park, Joggers Warned To Be Vigilant
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Featured image courtesy of MS News Reader and INFO X on Facebook.
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