Angry pack of otters leaves female jogger crying in pool of blood
A woman has been hospitalised after a pack of dangerous otters ripped open her skin while she was out jogging.
On September 11, a group of eight hungry animals ran through Tanjung Aru Recreational Park in Sabah, Malaysia, looking for food.
They spotted the middle-aged woman and surrounded her, sinking their shark teeth into her legs, piercing her pink Lycra fitness leggings.
She was pictured sitting on a curb, crying, with several deep wounds on her shins, and her arms and legs covered in blood.
Chilling footage shows the same ferocious otters running through the car park where they were spotted moments after attacking the woman.
The shocked jogger was taken to a nearby hospital, while a team of conservationists was sent to the park to monitor the otters.
Roland Oliver Niun, director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, said: “Preliminary investigation has revealed that a group of otters entered the recreation centre in search of food in the park’s pond.”
The otters spotted the middle-aged woman (pictured) and surrounded her, sinking their shark teeth into her legs – piercing her pink lycra fitness leggings
Terrifying footage shows the same ferocious otters running through the car park where they were seen moments after attacking the woman
She was admitted to hospital after the attack
The director added that wild otters had been in the pond area before, but the recent attack was indicative of a change in behavior.
He said: ‘There is indeed a population of wild otters near the park, and we also see a change in the behaviour of the animals when the community feeds them.’
The fencing around the park would be reinforced following the incident.
Director Roland added: ‘We also ask the park manager to report it if an otter is spotted after the repairs.’
Park visitors were advised to avoid going near the fences and not coming into contact with the animals, to avoid conflict with wildlife.
Earlier, a male park visitor was also attacked by otters while walking through the area with his two friends. He was also hospitalized for his injuries.
Otters are generally not aggressive toward humans, but may become defensive or aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered, especially when defending their young or territory.
According to conservationists working to protect the otter population, the animals can also be aggressive toward each other or other animals, especially during mating season or when competing for food.