Jogger Injured in Sabah’s First Reported Otter Attack

KOTA KINABALU: In a startling incident that has set the Sabah community on high alert, a jogger was injured in the first reported otter attack in the region. Mariasella Harun, a 40-year-old housewife, was on her regular morning jog at Perdana Park in Tanjung Aru when she was unexpectedly confronted by a group of otters.

The peaceful routine turned chaotic when Mariasella saw something emerging from a drain, initially mistaking it for a cat. She soon realized the gravity of the situation as the animal leaped at her and was quickly joined by a group, making it impossible for her to stand. “I couldn’t even stand up when it happened,” she recounted, describing the terrifying experience where she fought off the otters for what felt like an agonizing five minutes until help arrived.

Several other joggers rushed to assist Mariasella but found themselves targeted by the aggressive otters as well. Mariasella suffered injuries on her arms, legs, and head and was urgently taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Here, she received antibacterial treatments and a rabies vaccine due to the nature of her injuries.

Mariasella, despite her trauma, has been pondering the root of the attack. Naturally cautious, she had kept her distance from otters she had observed in the park the week before, even capturing a video without approaching them. “When I saw some otters last week, I took a video but did not go near them,” she explained.

Roland Niun, director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, confirmed the unusual nature of this incident. Known to be generally harmless, otters may become aggressive if they feel threatened or if they perceive danger to their pups. According to Niun, a team was sent to investigate, and highlighted that the otters accessed the park through a broken fence, which has since been repaired.

The Wildlife Department has urged the public to exercise caution and to avoid interaction with the otters, even though they do not typically demonstrate aggression towards humans. The presence of otters is crucial for signaling healthy riverine ecosystems, and they are protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.

As investigations continue, Niun advises, “Please do not feed them or provoke them in any way.” The department is ready to relocate the otters should they reappear in the park, and they emphasize the importance of not disturbing wildlife to prevent disease transmission and to preserve their environments.

This affinity of wildlife towards urban areas is part of a growing trend of wild animals adapting and intruding into cities worldwide, bringing about new challenges and requiring vigilant responses from authorities.