SINGAPORE – Although Singaporeans are encouraged to live in harmony with the country’s wildlife, a group of crows had other things in mind after spotting two otters minding their own business at Pandan Reservoir.
Videos of the incident were posted on Facebook page Singapore Wildlife Sightings on Friday (Jan 7) by member Kok Beng Cheng. “The otters were enjoying themselves, but the crows were not happy with them. More and more crows came and chased otters away. Taken at Pandan Reservoir today,” he noted in the caption.
The first video showed a pair of otters rubbing their bodies on the sand, a grooming activity to keep their coat healthy and water-repellent.
As the two otters minded their own business, a pair of crows appeared, landing near the otters.
A third crow appeared, followed by another.
Meanwhile, the otters continued rolling on the grass, despite a couple of the otters getting close enough to nib at one of their tails.
In another video, a total of 14 crows showed up at the scene. They continued nibbling at the otters’ tails.
Towards the end of the third video, the otters had already moved away from their original location, yet the crows continued with their harassment.
Crows have a reputation for causing mischief to both humans and animals. A group of crows even called a murder, would screech or dive-bomb at other animals as a defence mechanism against potential predators. They often work in a group, bothering dogs, raiding bird nests for eggs, or swiping food from owners.
If a murder of crows spots a meal with other animals present, they would nip at their tails to distract and annoy the animals to the point that they leave.
“Crows are v smart. And confident here, because otters don’t eat crows,” commented Facebook user Alpana Ahuja.
“By pestering the otters to go into the water, the crows may get a snack if otters come out with a fish. It’s fun to observe animal behaviour! Thanks for the footage,” the netizen added. /TISG
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