A group of six otters was filmed confronting a crocodile at the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Singapore on March 22, according to a video posted to social media. The otters repeatedly approached the crocodile, which eventually retreated into the water.
Otters Confront Crocodile in Singapore Wetland
In a video shared in the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook group, the otters can be heard vocalizing as they surrounded the crocodile, swimming toward and then away from the reptile.
The crocodile was observed snapping at the otters, but the animals were able to avoid its jaws each time. Ultimately, the crocodile backed away and disappeared into the water, allowing the otters to continue moving through the area.
Rovena Chow, a wildlife spotter who posted the video, told The Straits Times she witnessed the encounter at approximately 7:20 a.m. on March 22 while visiting the reserve.
“I’m lucky to have captured these valuable moments early in the morning shortly after I stepped into the reserve,” said Chow, a 53-year-old real estate saleswoman.
Dan Walsh, a 50-year-old trading systems manager, described the event as “an incredible encounter to witness” and “the most active wild encounter I’ve witnessed involving crocodiles.”
“The crocodile was clearly defensive, holding its ground with its mouth open as a warning to anything that came within range,” said Mr Dan Walsh, who photographed the encounter.
PHOTO: DAN WALSH
Walsh noted the otters approached the crocodile cautiously, engaging in investigative behavior while maintaining a close formation. He said the crocodile appeared defensive, opening its mouth as a warning before retreating into the water.
Despite its superior size, the crocodile eventually retreated, slowly backing away from the group and disappearing into the murky waters, leaving the semi-aquatic mammals free to roam the area.
PHOTO: DAN WALSH
Walsh, who has been photographing wildlife for 35 years, frequently visits Sungei Buloh due to its rich biodiversity. He described the encounter as a rare glimpse into natural behavior and species interaction.
The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is home to mainland Singapore’s largest mangrove forest, and is an important site for migratory birds.
According to the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF-Singapore), the reserve supports over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, including many vulnerable and globally critically endangered species.
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