KK jogger recounts otter attack; public urged to be cautious

The Star

Mariasella Harun, a 40-year-old jogger, recounted being attacked by otters during her morning run at Perdana Park, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, on Wednesday (Sept 11).  Sabah Wildlife Department director, Roland Niun, confirmed it was the first reported otter attack in the city and urged the public to avoid feeding or provoking the animals.  Read more at https://tinyurl.com/bdet75hs  WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

Transcript

00:0040-year-old jogger Maria Sela Harun recounted being attacked by otters during her routine

00:06jog at Perdana Park, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday morning.

00:12Initially mistaking one for a cat, she was suddenly bitten and fought off the otters

00:16for about five minutes until other joggers helped, only for them to be attacked as well.

00:22Maria Sela sustained injuries to her arms, legs and head and was rushed to Queen Elizabeth

00:27Hospital where she received antibacterial medication and a rabies vaccine.

00:33Doctors recommended hospitalisation for observation due to potential complications from the bites.

00:40Still shaken, Maria Sela, who jogs daily in the park, said she had seen otters a week

00:46prior and did nothing to provoke the attack.

00:49Sabah Wildlife Department Director Roland Niyoun confirmed that this was the first reported

00:54otter attack in the city, which is unusual given their generally non-aggressive nature.

01:00Niyoun explained that the otters likely entered through a damaged fence and would be relocated

01:05if they returned.

01:06He also urged the public not to feed or provoke the animals.

01:10Otters are protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 and are

01:17usually found in rivers or lakes, serving as indicators of healthy habitats.

01:24For more UN videos visit www.un.org

Category

Transcript

Recommended