KOTA KINABALU: Otters might look adorable and seem playful, but the public are advised against petting them as these creatures can be dangerous if they feel threatened.

       State Wildlife Department director Dr Augustine Tuuga said due to its territorial behaviour, they might attack humans.

       “Otters have sharp canine teeth. For the safety of both humans and the otter, it is best not to touch or feed them when encountering these animals,” he said.

       Otters normally eat aquatic animals such as fish, crabs and frogs.

       Tuuga gave this advice after a video showing a group of park-goers petting and feeding an otter, which is believed to be someone's pet, in the Tun Fuad Stephens Park in Bukit Padang near here went viral on social media.

       He said the animal that was recorded in the video is a smooth-coated otter and is a protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.

       He said the population of otters in Sabah is unknown but threats to the species include decreasing habitat and food source as well as poaching.

       Tuuga said they are normally found in riverine areas or lakes and are important indicators for healthy riverine habitats.

       He said it is not advisable to feed or pet or disturb the animal to avoid any disease transmission and to maintain the otter’s well being.

       Asked if the public are allowed to rear otters as pets, he said yes, provided the person has obtained permission from the department.

       Tuuga said applicants would have to be screened and accessed before they are given the permit to rear these animals.

       Among the conditions they have to meet is that they need to be able to provide a proper enclosure or roaming space that is spacious enough and contains clean fresh water for the otters to wade in.