Woman, 40, badly hurt in park after eight of the carnivorous creatures launch early-morning attack
A group of wild otters viciously attacked a woman jogging in an inner-city park in Malaysia.
Mariasella Harun, 40, was chased and mauled by eight of the mammals on Wednesday morning in Tanjung Aru, in the northern Sabah state of Borneo island.
A graphic video of the aftermath showed the victim huddled on a pavement with deep gashes visible on her arms, as blood streaked her temple, T-shirt and leggings.
Another clip captured the bevy of otters – each as big as a small dog, with slick dark hair – charging across a car park moments before the attack.
It is the latest in a series of incidents involving humans and otters in the area. A man was recently taken to hospital after another unprovoked attack.
Otter attacks are increasing across the whole of South-East Asia, according to wildlife authorities.
Despite their somewhat cuddly appearance, otters have teeth and jaws that are strong enough to crack open shellfish.
They can weigh up to 14kg and grow up to 4ft, including their tail.
And as you sit there deep in thought you feel something tickle your nethers, you think little of it at first but as soon as you feel it again you shift your position and look down. At the same moment your mind comprehends that it's the hand of an otter, that very hand grabs ahold of your dangling valuables and pulls. You are never seen again.