On Wednesday, September 11, a routine jog at Perdana Park in Tanjung Aru turned into a terrifying ordeal for 40-year-old housewife Mariasella Harun. While jogging, she was suddenly attacked by a pack of otters that emerged from a drain, leaving her with injuries on her arms, legs, and head. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of park-goers and the behavior of these generally harmless animals.

According to Mariasella, she had spotted otters in the area just last week but had not approached them. On the day of the attack, she had completed just 2km of her jog when the otters leaped out of the drain and bit her. Despite fighting them off for what felt like five agonizing minutes, she was eventually aided by other joggers who were also attacked by the animals.

Mariasella was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment, where she received antibacterial medication and a rabies vaccine. The doctors informed her that she needed to be hospitalized for observation, but the duration of her stay was uncertain. Her wounds could not be stitched immediately due to potential complications from the bites.

Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Niun confirmed the incident and stated that it was unusual for otters to exhibit such aggression. He noted that otters typically become aggressive when they feel threatened or provoked, and may attack humans with their sharp canine teeth if they feel their pups are being threatened or if they are protecting their territory.

According to TheStar, the investigation revealed that the otters had accessed the park through a damaged fence, which has since been repaired. Niun advised the public not to approach the otters, even though they do not typically attack humans, and to refrain from feeding or provoking them in any way. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the animals' well-being and avoiding any transmission of disease.

Otters are protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and are usually found in riverine areas or lakes. While their population in Sabah is unknown, their presence is an important indicator of healthy riverine habitats.

This incident serves as a reminder to exercise caution when interacting with wildlife, even if they appear harmless. The public is advised to respect the animals' space and not to feed or provoke them, as this can lead to unpredictable behavior. The Sabah Wildlife Department is working to ensure the safety of both humans and animals in the area, and the public is encouraged to report any further sightings of the otters.

Source: TheStar