Otter Antics Turn a Quiet Park Walk into a Wild Chase
Last Friday evening, rather than enjoying a peaceful stroll, West Coast Park became the stage for a slap‑stick wildlife showdown.
What Happened?
- Sudden Soundtrack: A woman’s help‑seeking screams echoed through the trees, but everyone was too stunned to intervene.
- 5+ Otters, 1 Jogger: The culprit—seven cheeky otters—plotted their grand entrance by huddling near a jogger who unwittingly stepped on one of the mischief‑making pups.
- Hunted By Chaos: The jogger tried to outrun them, but the otters lunged with all the grace of a stampede of rubber ducks.
- Bystander’s Dilemma: While the crowd counted in the “over ten” range, every eye remained glued to the frenzied scene, refusing to wobble closer than a few feet.
Want to keep calm? You’ll need a tough spirit or a full‑length helmet. - Flee & Freeze: The crowd, including Lu Xiu Feng, decided better safe than sorry and followed the otters as they scurried back into the forest, leaving the jogger a bit embarrassed but otherwise uninjured.
How Did the Family Witness?
Picture this: Lu, 48, bought her kids and wandered through the park, camera in one hand, serenity in the other. She was savoring the moments of nature when the chaotic chorus erupted.
“Apparently these tiny furry beasts were suddenly very serious about defending their territory,” Lu explained. She offered the theory that the lady’s scuff on a pup sparked the frustration.
Though she couldn’t claim to have seen any otter biting attacks, she said the creatures ran in a straight line towards the cheering crowd until they vanished back into the foliage.
Takeaway
Even the gentle giants of the wild have their cheeky sides. If you’re planning a Sunday stroll, keep your legs on a tight leash and maybe skip the noisy jogging tracks.
Otters Gone Wild: The Sudden Bite of a Sunday Jog
It’s not just the scenery that’s grabbing headlines at Kallang River. A baby‑catching otter turned the park into a surprise attack zone, leaving Lu’s little ones pale as a ghost in the grass. According to Shin Min, the family’s backyard drama came with a bite! “We were not able to help the woman,” Lu said, “the otter’s teeth were very sharp, it’s no joke.” He echoed the warning vibe—time to slap a sign on the trail that says, “Mind your paws, joggers!”
When the Wilderness Gets a Playful Sidekick
- April Blues: A 52‑year‑old engineering enthusiast was giving the otters a run for their money. While filming them on Kallang Riverside Park, the gator‑like beast bit his leg. He admitted getting a bit “too infatuated” with the wildlife, saying, “Usually my wife and I remind our kids to keep a safe distance, but sometimes we forget.” A quick injection at Raffles Hospital and five days of medical leave followed—no less than a classic ‘backed up by the city’s best care’ drama.
- December Dread: At the Botanic Gardens, a man found himself on a $1,200 bill for a wild nine‑second session of otter‑bonanza. According to Graham George Spencer, who told Today, what began as “quiet” quickly turned into a “crazy dog‑like” frenzy when a runner cut into the otters’ turf. The patient nearly got 26 bites in a single graceless second—talk about a regrettable selfie.
Best Practices from the National Parks Board (NParks)
Pro tip: Keep your cool and let the otters have their own fun. Here’s the official playbook:
- Don’t touch, chase or box the otters—they’ll feel the same way you do when you’re spoiling a cat.
- Silence the phone, no flash, leave the loud talks for a voice‑over class.
- Make your dog on a tight leash; you don’t want a flexing canine turning a chill walk into a pet safari.
Side‑Story: The Kid‑Like Old Man’s Experience
For those curious—another recent tale from Kallang River involves an elderly man who was “glued to the spot” after a surprise otter attack. It’s a reminder that even going for a casual swim could turn up a wild side. (Read more in the side article: “I was glued to the spot.”)
Stay safe, park lovers! Get your pockets ready, keep distance, and you’ll avoid becoming a tale of the under‑sea world’s latest thrill‑seekers.
Contact: [email protected] | OttersSingapore | NParks (National Parks Board)
