Driver buries otter along AYE after it allegedly dies from hit-and-run
An otter died after an alleged hit-and-run along Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).
A driver moved the dying otter to the side of the road, allowing its family to spend a few final moments with it.
After the otter took its last breath, the driver gently buried it.
Driver stops car after noticing otter lying in middle of expressway
Dashcam footage of the encounter was posted on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook page on Friday (10 Oct).
Source: Marcus Lee on Facebook
As the camcar approached the romp, five otters ran to the road divider before hiding in the bushes.
Source: Marcus Lee on Facebook
However, one otter remained in the middle lane of the expressway.
In his caption, the original poster (OP) shared that his “heart sank” when he realised the animal was a victim of an alleged hit-and-run.
After informing his passenger, the OP exited the car to check on the injured otter, which was “writhing in pain” and bleeding.
Source: Marcus Lee on Facebook
Meanwhile, the rest of the otters remained by the roadside, “pacing frantically and screaming in distress.”
Buried dead otter along side of expressway
The OP later carried the injured otter to the other side of the expressway and laid it down on the grass.
Source: Marcus Lee on Facebook
By that point, the wounded animal was already on its “last breath”.
Source: Marcus Lee on Facebook
Afterwards, the OP backed away to give the rest of the otters space to “spend some time with… their deceased member”.
Sure enough, the otters emerged from the bushes and scurried across the road.
Source: Marcus Lee on Facebook
When the surviving family left the scene, the OP buried the dead animal under a tree.
“May you go on to a good rebirth,” the OP wrote, also thanking the drivers of two cars who helped block the traffic while he brought the injured otter to the side of the road.
Source: Marcus Lee on Facebook
Smooth-coated otter was dead when NParks officers arrived
In response to MS News‘ queries, Mr How Choon Beng, group director of wildlife management at the National Parks Board (NParks), said the agency was alerted to the incident at about 10am on Friday (10 Oct).
The smooth-coated otter was found dead when NParks officers arrived at the site. The carcass was later removed and sent to Mandai Wildlife Group for post-mortem examinations.
The NParks spokesperson took the opportunity to urge motorists to be alert to animal crossings when driving along roads flanked by forested areas.
NParks also reminded members of the public not to handle injured wild animals. They may contact the agency’s 24-hour animal response centre at 1800-476-1600 instead.
Also read: Senior dog dies in Serangoon hit-and-run, resident says owner lets him roam alone
Senior dog dies in Serangoon hit-and-run, resident says owner lets him roam alone
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Marcus Lee on Facebook.
