Unlikely Otter Encounter on Upper Boon Keng Road
What Came Out of the Kallang River
Picture this: a leisurely morning on Upper Boon Keng Road, a group of senior friends doing their daily warm‑up. Suddenly, the scene turns into a real‑life wildlife show as a flotilla of more than twenty otters pops out of the Kallang River, turning the exercise session into an impromptu aquariworship.
77 and Still”—But the Oops Moment
- Stargazing Mode: The elderly gentleman, barely 77, was so mesmerized that he literally froze onto the spot—like a deer in the woods.
- One Otter, One Bite: While he was busy watching the otter parade, one bold adult otter swiped over and took a tiny bite on his left calf.
- “Ouch!” in the Street: The man had to cry out, because who expected a furry little critter to give a slap on the day?
The Friends In A Distance
His buddies? They were far enough away that by the time he cried, they weren’t able to swoop in and give him a shoulder‑to‑shoulder type assist. So, he was left alone with a biting otter, a pile of pain and a sudden fight for the hospital.
At Home, a Quick First Aid Fix
- Wife to the Rescue: After wiping out on the pavement, he headed home. His wife immediately filled in—dressing the wound, soaking it, and putting the bleeding on control.
- Doctor in the Afternoon: The next address was a quick visit to the local clinic. He snagged a single prescription and moderate energy spray to soothe the bite.
- Price Tag on the Surprise: The whole ordeal cost him roughly US$90 for meds and first‑aid supplies.
In Words and in Humor
We’ve seen plenty of surprises at the parks—pandas, nudibranchs, all sorts of fauna—but an otter “attacking” a senior jogger in such a cadence is still a first for most of us. 77-year‑old with less than “bite‑protection” on his watch—life had a laugh for good measure.
So, if you ever plan to jog by the river in your golden years, keep your eyes peeled for shimmering tails, but don’t let your guard down. There’s a whole otter buffet waiting. Happy exercising, and remember—stay alert, keep your buddies close, and never underestimate a little river‑baby’s appetite!
Otters on the Loose: Residents Get a Wake‑Up Call
By Alexander K.T.
· Filed 20 August 2025
· Source AsiaOne Daily
From Tiny Trio to Big Bucks
For the past decade, Mr. Tan has wandered the streets of his Singapore neighbourhood, doing his morning jog and humming his favourite tune. He’s been on the lookout for a curious trend that’s been unfolding in his backyard: a growing splash of otters that started making appearances about two to three years ago.
“At first, they were little flocks of three or four, just floating around like a handful of kids on a playground,” he recalls with a grin. “But this past year, they’ve been coming in bunches that make you feel like you’re at a primate party. And they’re looking bigger too—maybe they’re getting fed by a secret trove of cheese!”
That ‘Terrifying Experience’ at Gardens by the Bay
Meanwhile, December saw a local lady named Ms. Li inadvertently turning a leisurely stroll into an action‑movie plot. While filming otters through her phone, she found herself on the front row of a teeth‑in‑action scene.
“They charged straight at me, and I felt my foot get bitten! It was like a furry superhero—probably the superhero otter!” she jokes, though the incident was nothing short of scary.
National Parks Board Basics – What to Do (and Not Do) with Otters
- Stay back. Otters love to keep their distance – and you should too. Keep at least a few metres away.
- No chasing, no cornering. That will surely make them feel like the prey. Respect their space.
- Silence is golden. Loud talks and sudden sounds can trigger a bouncy burst of activity.
- No flash photography. Flashlight might be mistaken for a daytime star, pretty scary for a shy otter.
- Observe responsibly. Let the otters enjoy their natural drama without the drama of human interference.
Mr. Tan’s Call to Action
He hopes his story will prompt authorities and neighbors alike to keep an eye on this newfound wildlife, ensuring safety while preserving the fun‑fact of having otters as part of the community. “Think of it as a gentle reminder: these otters are not just cute creatures; they’re also wild and unpredictable. Don’t be the friend that brings a skewer and ends up getting a bite.
Bottom line?
When otter sightings get larger, larger, or larger, watch your step, keep your hat on, and leave the hunting gear at home. If you’re feeling adventurous, join a guided stroll instead of a spontaneous chase, and let the otters be the real actors in this wildlife stage.
