Otters

What are they?
The Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), named for its velvety smooth coat, is one of two otter species found in Singapore and the largest in Southeast Asia. This mammal is often spotted in mangroves, mudflats and coastal areas, where it forages for clams, fish and other small creatures. Highly social, these otters use scents and vocalisations to communicate. Their webbed paws are well-adapted for swimming, allowing them to move effortlessly through water. These playful creatures often swim in packs whilst hunting fish.

A social animal, the otter lives either in pairs or family groups. Pups are born in litters of up to five in dens along riverbanks and remain with their parents for an extended period.

Read on to find out more or download our otter advisories here and here!

Distribution & Habitat
While listed as endangered in Singapore, Smooth-coated Otters can be regularly seen across the main waterways in Singapore, as well as in our nature spaces such as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.

Did you know?

Did you know that this creature can stay underwater for up to eight minutes in a single breath? This allows it to hunt successfully for fish, frogs, crabs and turtles.

What to do when I encounter otters?

DO NOT touch, chase or corner the otters, especially if there are pups as they are very protective of their young. 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.

How to keep otters out of your home?

If you have further queries, please contact us through our online feedback form at https://www.avs.gov.sg/feedback.

Photos by Max Khoo and Bryan Lim.