Otter City Takes on the “Tailless” Croc—You Won’t Believe Who Wins!
Picture this: a group of six playful otters paddling past the “Tailless” crocodile—yes, that’s the nickname it earned because its tail is a stub. The clash was captured on a 1‑minute‑16‑second clip, soon to go viral on Facebook. The battle lasted roughly ten minutes before the croc finally swam off, leaving the otters triumphant—or at least, triumphant—according to veteran otter watcher Jeffery Teo.
Almost 15,000 people tuned in, and over 200 hearts were shared. It’s not a rare spectacle, as Mr. Teo says he’s seen five otter–croc scuffles in the last few years.
How the Skirmish Unfolds
- Otters bob up and down—called “periscoping”—to keep a close eye on their surroundings.
- The trusty croc snaps at them, but the otters evade like a group of furry ninjas.
- After a back‑and‑forth (and it’s actually a ten‑minute ballet), the croc retreats.
Inside the Ottermind
Dr. N. Sivasothi—also affectionately known as “Otterman”—adds that otters and crocodiles are both fish‑eaters, so they can’t push each other out of the same waters. When they colliding, the otters, being slick and active, usually start the dance.
Why This Happens
With two otter families roaming Sungei Buloh, they have a history of standing up to feral dogs and monitor lizards. Tailless has been a resident since about 12 years back, when it was still a tiny croc.
Finding the Winner
There’s not a “clear winner” every time. It all depends on which otter family shows up—numbers matter, but occasionally, the croc can hold its own.
So, next time you’re near the wetlands, be prepared for an otter‑mocirial showdown. It’s all part of the wild, playful drama our furry cousins bring to the water!
