Trio chase otters away at Robertson Quay into Singapore River

Update on June 24:

Trio seen 'chasing' otters at Roberson Quay were 'buying time' for one that got separated from family

Original article:

A Stomper was confused when she saw a group of three people chasing otters at Robertson Quay on Thursday morning (June 23).

She shared a video of the otters running away from the people and towards the Singapore River.

She asked: "Why are these people chasing the otters In Robertson Quay?

"The otters are always in the same spot but today they are chased away all morning!

"I just wanted to report because I thought otters were protected!"

The National Parks Board (NParks) lists the animals as critically endangered in Singapore on its website, and they are protected under the Wildlife (Protected Wildlife Species) Rules 2020, a schedule under the Wildlife Act.

Here is what to do when encountering otters:

• DO NOT touch, chase or corner the otters. Observe them from a distance. Going too close to the otters may frighten them.

• DO NOT talk loudly and do not use flash photography. Noise and light may scare and provoke the otters.

• DO NOT feed the otters. The otters have their own food in the environment and their natural eating habits keep the ecosystem healthy.

• DO NOT litter or leave sharp objects in the water. Clean and safe waterways filled with fish and aquatic life make good habitats for the otters to frolic and feed in.

• DO keep your dog on a tight leash. Your dog might chase the otters and frighten them, and keeping your dog on a tight leash will help to keep it safe.