DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2024103 ISSN: 0304-4602

The emergence of otter attacks in Singapore: A case series and strategies for management

Shaun Kai Kiat Chua, Joel Yeh Siang Chen, Stephanie Sutjipto, Jingwen Ng, Remesh Kunnasegaran

Singapore is experiencing an unprecedented increase in the number of smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata). Since 2017, the local otter population has more than doubled to at least 170. This has led to an increase in the number of otter-human attacks since 2021.1,2 While common animal attacks like dog bites are well documented with established management, there is a lack of literature studying the outcomes and management of the increasingly common otter attacks in Singapore. To date, there has only been 1 published case report, which documented an attack by local river otters (Lontra canadensis) in Quebec, Canada.3 This letter aims to evaluate 3 relatively recent cases of otter attacks presented at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore and propose key management strategies in addressing future attacks.

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