A wildlife enthusiast witnessed a rare encounter in Sungei Buloh on Sep. 3, where a lone otter found itself surrounded by a murder of crows. The crows flapped their wings and squawked noisily at the otter, which appeared defensive. The incident, lasting about 10 to 15 minutes, was shared by Brandon Butler on the Facebook group Singapore Wildlife Sightings.
## Defensive behaviour
Speaking to Fathership, Butler explained that the birds seemed to be “trying to scare [the otter] off.” He noted that the crows were noisy earlier, possibly protecting a nest. When he passed by again, he saw the otter crouched defensively as the birds circled it. The crows did not touch the otter, but upon seeing Butler, they paused, allowing the otter to escape into the water. After the otter’s departure, the crows began to watch Butler closely. One Facebook commenter joked that Butler had become “of interest” to the birds.
## Crows and otters
Otters in Singapore are highly social, playful, and carnivorous apex predators, primarily feeding on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem as they prey on slower and weaker fish, strengthening the overall fish population. While otters usually travel in packs, adult otters may occasionally move alone to seek new partners or territories.
House crows, known for their intelligence, are very protective of their young and may perceive trespassers as threats. During fledging season in May and June, when their young are learning to fly, such trespassing can lead to attacks. If you encounter crow-related issues, contact the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) at 1800-476-1600 or via their online form for nest removal.
## Related story
In another encounter at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, a bevy of six otters faced off with a crocodile on Aug. 31. Nature photographer Fong Jeck Meng captured the incident, which was shared on the Facebook page Ottercity on Sep. 9. This highlights the dynamic interactions between wildlife species in the reserve, showcasing the strength in numbers among smooth-coated otters.
