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Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS)

Otters in Singapore

About otters in Singapore and what to do when you encounter them

Last updated 31 October 2025
A photograph of 4 smooth-coated otters on grass

What are otters? 

Otters are agile, carnivorous mammals from the weasel family, known for their streamlined bodies and webbed feet. They are strong swimmers and are easily recognised by their playful nature and vocal calls. 

Singapore is home to two species of otters – the Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and the Asian Small-Clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus). The Smooth-coated Otter, named for its velvety smooth coat, is the largest otter species in Southeast Asia. The Asian Small-Clawed Otter is the smallest otter species in the world. 

Distribution & Habitat 

Despite being listed as endangered in Singapore, Smooth-coated Otters are regularly observed throughout the island's main waterways and nature reserves, including Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore Botanic Gardens, and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. These mammals frequently travel overland via park connectors, parks, and urban estates adjacent to waterways. They are also commonly spotted in mangroves, mudflats, and coastal areas, where they forage for clams, fish, and other small aquatic creatures.

The distribution of the Asian Small-Clawed Otter in Singapore is more restricted. It can be found in Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin. 

Behaviour 

Smooth-coated otters mainly feed on fish. While Asian Small-Clawed Otters also eat fish, a bigger proportion of their diet consists of crabs and molluscs. 

Highly social, these otters use scents and vocalisations to communicate. These playful creatures often swim in packs whilst hunting fish. 

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. 

A photograph of 2 smooth-coated otters with 2 pups

Important Ecological Role(s) 

Otters are keystone species. As top predators, their populations are small compared to those of other species in the ecosystem. However, their presence strongly influences the population dynamics of these other species in their habitat.  

Otters are sensitive to any negative impacts along their food chain and are also the first species to disappear when their environment is polluted. Hence, they indicate the health of the ecosystem they inhabit.  

While otters are seemingly thriving in Singapore now, this was not the case several decades ago. Due to polluted waterways and degraded shores, the otters disappeared. Their re-emergence was observed after a clean-up of our waterways was completed and improvement in water quality in these waterways allowed for sufficiently large fish populations to sustain a thriving otter population. This is a reminder of the need to take responsibility of our environment because our actions will affect the creatures living in our ecosystem. 

Did you know? 

Did you know that otters 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 should I do when I encounter otters?

If you come across otters that are injured, distressed or trapped, call our Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 and we will send professionals who are trained in handling and caring for wildlife to assist you.  

Please avoid handling the otter yourself as this may cause further stress or injury to the animal. The otter may also bite in self-defence. 

Do not touch, chase, or corner the otters, especially if there are pups. 

Otters are very protective of their young. Observe them from a distance. Going too close to the otters may frighten them and cause them to act in self-defence. 

Do not talk loudly and do not use flash photography.  

Noise and bright lights 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. Feeding of all wildlife in Singapore is also prohibited under the Wildlife Act. 

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. 

Keep your pets on a tight leash.  

Your pet might chase the otters and frighten them. Keeping your pet on a tight leash and near to you will also keep it safe from otters. 

If you have been bitten or attacked by an otter, seek medical attention immediately.  

What should I do if I am affected by otters?

Otters are attracted to places where they can hunt and eat. This includes private and public bodies of water where fish are kept. Sometimes, they can enter homes through gaps in the fencing or under gates. They can also scale short barriers to gain access to ponds. Once they find an accessible pond with a food source, they are likely to return. 

To prevent otters from entering your property, use wire mesh to seal off gaps in your fence. You can also use a panel to cover the bottom of gates and fences. Alternatively, modify the fence or gate to make the gaps smaller. 

To prevent access to your pond, you may install barriers at least 1.5 metres tall or cover it with netting or panels. 

More information can be found in our guidebook on excluding otters. 

Download it here: Otter Exclusion Toolkit: A guide for property owners and managers 

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

Photos by Max Khoo 

Resources: 

Infographic: Otters in my neighbourhood & what to do when you encounter otters