Latest news with #OtterWorkingGroup
New Paper
12-05-2025
- General
- New Paper
Woman bitten by otter near Robertson Quay, area cordoned off
The National Parks Board (NParks) has cordoned off an area along the Singapore River where otters have been spotted after a woman was bitten on the morning of May 11. According to Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao, the incident happened near Jiak Kim Bridge in Robertson Quay. In response to media queries, NParks said the area is where smooth-coated otters have been spotted with their young, but it did not elaborate on how many otters were involved in the incident. NParks said the Otter Working Group - which includes representatives from NParks, national water agency PUB, Mandai Wildlife Group, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society and other organisations - provided immediate assistance to the woman. The board is also in contact with her family. NParks did not say how old the woman is or how seriously she was injured. The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it did not receive any call for assistance. To ensure public safety, NParks has stepped up patrols in the area and installed additional signage to remind visitors to keep a safe distance from the otters, particularly near their nursing site. Mr How Choon Beng, group director of wildlife management at NParks, said: "Together with the Otter Working Group and our community of otter watchers, NParks monitors the otters regularly to better understand their population, distribution and movement patterns, and takes proactive measures to pre-empt or mitigate human-animal conflicts where possible." He added that otters are curious by nature and will not attack unless provoked or when they feel threatened. The public is advised to maintain a safe distance, and avoid touching, feeding, chasing or cornering otters - especially if there are pups as they are protective of their young and may react defensively if threatened. The adult otters can be easily startled when approached by humans or other animals. ST has contacted the Otter Working Group for more information. There have been multiple previous reports of attacks by the animals on people who have encountered them. In April 2022, a man who attempted to take a video of a pack of about 30 otters at Kallang Riverside Park was bitten on his calf. Another man was attacked by a group of otters on Nov 30, 2021, during a morning visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Otter bites woman at Singapore's Robertson Quay, National Parks Board steps up patrols
SINGAPORE, May 12 — A woman was bitten by an otter near Jiak Kim Bridge at Robertson Quay in Singapore yesterday, prompting authorities to cordon off the area and step up patrols. The National Parks Board (NParks) confirmed to The Straits Times (ST) that the location is a known habitat for smooth-coated otters with young pups. While it did not disclose how many otters were involved or the extent of the woman's injuries, it said members of the Otter Working Group rendered immediate assistance and are in touch with the woman's family. According to ST, the Otter Working Group comprises representatives from NParks, PUB, Mandai Wildlife Group, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, and other partners. It was formed to monitor and manage Singapore's otter population amid growing human-wildlife encounters. 'To ensure public safety, NParks has stepped up patrols in the area and installed additional signage to remind visitors to keep a safe distance from the otters, particularly near their nursing site,' said How Choon Beng, NParks' group director of wildlife management. 'Together with the Otter Working Group and our community of otter watchers, NParks monitors the otters regularly to better understand their population, distribution and movement patterns, and takes proactive measures to pre-empt or mitigate human-animal conflicts where possible.' How stressed that otters are generally curious animals and will not attack unless provoked or if they feel threatened. He warned that adult otters may become defensive if they perceive danger to their pups. The public is urged not to touch, feed, chase or corner the animals, especially when pups are present. The incident comes amid past reports of similar encounters. In April 2022, a man was bitten on the calf while filming a large group of otters at Kallang Riverside Park. In another case in November 2021, a man was attacked by otters during a morning walk in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman bitten by otter near Robertson Quay, area cordoned off
SINGAPORE - The National Parks Board (NParks) has cordoned off an area along the Singapore River where otters have been spotted after a woman was bitten on the morning of May 11. According to Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao, the incident happened near Jiak Kim Bridge in Robertson Quay. In response to media queries, NParks said the area is where smooth-coated otters have been spotted with their young, but it did not elaborate on how many otters were involved in the incident. NParks said the Otter Working Group – which includes representatives from NParks, national water agency PUB, Mandai Wildlife Group, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society and other organisations – provided immediate assistance to the woman. The board is also in contact with her family. NParks did not say how old the woman is or how seriously she was injured. The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it did not receive any call for assistance. To ensure public safety, NParks has stepped up patrols in the area and installed additional signage to remind visitors to keep a safe distance from the otters, particularly near their nursing site. Mr How Choon Beng, group director of wildlife management at NParks, said: 'Together with the Otter Working Group and our community of otter watchers, NParks monitors the otters regularly to better understand their population, distribution and movement patterns, and takes proactive measures to pre-empt or mitigate human-animal conflicts where possible.' He added that otters are curious by nature and will not attack unless provoked or when they feel threatened. The public is advised to maintain a safe distance, and avoid touching, feeding, chasing or cornering otters – especially if there are pups as they are protective of their young and may react defensively if threatened. The adult otters can be easily startled when approached by humans or other animals. ST has contacted the Otter Working Group for more information. There have been multiple previous reports of attacks by the animals on people who have encountered them. In April 2022, a man who attempted to take a video of a pack of about 30 otters at Kallang Riverside Park was bitten on his calf. Another man was attacked by a group of otters on Nov 30, 2021, during a morning visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
11-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Woman bitten by otter near Robertson Quay, area cordoned off
SINGAPORE - The National Parks Board (NParks) has cordoned off an area along the Singapore River where otters have been spotted after a woman was bitten o n the morning of May 11. According to Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao, the incident happened near Jiak Kim Bridge in Robertson Quay. In response to media queries, NParks said the area is where smooth-coated otters have been spotted with their young, but it did not elaborate on how many otters were involved in the incident. NParks said the Otter Working Group – which includes representatives from NParks, national water agency PUB, Mandai Wildlife Group, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society and other organisations – provided immediate assistance to the woman. The board is also in contact with her family. NParks did not say how old the woman is or how seriously she was injured. The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it did not receive any call for assistance. To ensure public safety, NParks has stepped up patrols in the area and installed additional signage to remind visitors to keep a safe distance from the otters, particularly near their nursing site. Mr How Choon Beng, group director of wildlife management at NParks, said: 'Together with the Otter Working Group and our community of otter watchers, NParks monitors the otters regularly to better understand their population, distribution and movement patterns, and takes proactive measures to pre-empt or mitigate human-animal conflicts where possible.' He added that otters are curious by nature and will not attack unless provoked or when they feel threatened. The public is advised to maintain a safe distance, and avoid touching, feeding, chasing or cornering otters – especially if there are pups as they are protective of their young and may react defensively if threatened. The adult otters can be easily startled when approached by humans or other animals. ST has contacted the Otter Working Group for more information. There have been multiple previous reports of attacks by the animals on people who have encountered them. In April 2022, a man who attempted to take a video of a pack of about 30 otters at Kallang Riverside Park was bitten on his calf. Another man was attacked by a group of otters on Nov 30, 2021, during a morning visit to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
24-04-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Forum: Adapting to urban wildlife requires a collective effort
I appreciate the concerns raised by Mr Kevin Ho about otters at a golf course (Public safety and health of ecosystem at risk from otter population at golf course, April 9). Smooth-coated otters are a symbol of Singapore's rich biodiversity, which has been nurtured over many decades and celebrated globally. As we work towards a vision of a 'City in Nature', adjusting to wildlife in our midst does require a collective effort based on wildlife science and community collaboration. For over a decade, the Otter Working Group, which I volunteer with, has helped the public adjust to otters in our City in Nature. It comprises representatives from government agencies, volunteers, charitable and corporate nature groups, community groups and academics. We address public safety and discomfort through holistic long-term mitigation strategies in harmony with an ecological balance. These have included combinations of infrastructure barriers, wildlife-sensitive deterrents and community education to enhance wildlife appreciation and an understanding of these approaches. We are heartened by the collaborations and commitment to sustainable practices by Changi Airport, Gardens by the Bay, numerous schools, universities, private condominiums and landed property estates. We look forward to continued collaborations to holistically advance Singapore's vision of a City in Nature, to nurture our biodiversity, which enhances wellness and provides a vibrant, green and high-quality living environment for all. N. Sivasothi More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
