When Otters Throw a Party, Your Goldfish Pay the Price
Picture this: a peaceful Sunday morning, the gentle chirping of birds, and a homeowner named Lin doing his usual routine. Then that tranquility gets completely wrecked by a furry, four‑legged party crash‑in. Yep, the otters are back, and they’re not sketching cute cartoons in the clouds—they’re literally attacking your aquatic pets.
One Morning, One Tiny Catastrophe
- Lin’s Goldfish Parade – A sly-eyed 60‑year‑old fisherman (he’s an avid goldfish lover) wakes up only to see his prized fish floating dead.
- The moment? 7 a.m. – His domestic helper was about to sweep the garden but slips into a watery nightmare.
- Picture this: a pond with a general chaos – only a few fish remain alive, the rest floating like awkward Fluttershys.
Sleeping, No Hints, No Cues
Lin says the otters snuck in in the dead of night – so asleep they missed every scream and smell. He mentions that he didn’t feel the odd pitter‑patter or fancy bottle alert; the sudden smash — a classic “no‑noise’room invasion.
- He believed the otters somehow poke a hole in the plastic mesh at his gate. Snatching the most valuable part of his garden.
- Imagine a world where otters think the plastic filter is a new game of “shape‑the‑hole.” Their success comes at the cost of our little goldfish friends.
Future Fortification
Lin’s frustration? “Make the gate more sturdier, or simply keep an eye on the fish,” he suggests. Meanwhile, the otters look into the future, to remember the golden ‘trophy’ earned by their midnight swim. As for Lin, he’s determined to breed confidence on the right side of the pond next time.
Takeaway? Keep your fish safe. Turn your garden into a fortified fortress, or at least make sure there’s an extra secret tunnel that no four‑legged party‑crasher can forage.
Otters Make Another Splash in Lin’s Life
Lin’s backyard has become an unwelcome theme park for a group of cheeky otters — and the unfortunate death of his loyal bulldog has turned the situation from a simple nuisance into a full‑blown fish‑frenzy.
First Encounter: The Bulldog’s Bravery
Back in February, a crew of otters tried to rob Lin’s garden. Lucky for his koi, a trusting bulldog was on patrol and barked like a stray fawn at each intruder. The result? The fish survived, and he joked that the dog’s heroism “saved the day” in his watery world.
Grief, Fish & High Stakes
- Later, the bulldog passed away.
- The otters saw no more guard post and swarmed again.
- They bit off the heads of more than 50 Ryukin goldfish, each worth about $100.
- Lin calculates the loss at roughly $5,000.
Lin’s lament: “I don’t know how to get compensation for this. I’m not sure if the authorities will do anything to resolve the issue,” he shared, his voice heavy with both grief and frustration.
More Victims on the Street
Lin isn’t alone. In March, a 76‑year‑old homeowner from Jalan Kayu returned from a walk to find his prized koi and luohan fish devoured behind the scenes by the same furry marauders.
Why Otters Can’t Tell the Difference
The National Parks Board (NParks) explains that otters are naturally drawn to anything that swims. “They can’t differentiate between wild and pet fish,” it says, adding that the only way to keep the furry invaders at bay is by blocking their entry points.
Practical DIY Tips by NParks
- Inspect gates and fences for gaps.
- Close openings with panels or wire mesh.
- Use barriers at least 1.3 m high to keep one foot at a time.
- Cover ponds with netting or panels to shield your aquatic friends.
Hopeful—yet wary—Lin is hoping that future policy changes might come in, or at least that he can install a better fence and protect his fish.
Related Story
For a similar scare: Over 4 days, otters gobble up nearly 100 fish at Church of St Teresa.
So, if you’re a fence‑less fishing enthusiast, take this as a friendly warning that otters thrive on a good bellyful, and that a sturdy fence might just be the safeguard your fish need.
