Main Image Via Malay Mail

2019 has been a quite the ride for Malaysia when it comes to animals of the wild.

Some wildlife that don’t belong here have been spotted around the countries and we have seen Tigers roaming free in residential areas!

Now, otters have been spotted in Taman Metropolitan Kepong!

Word on the street is that these nuzzly creatures have been around the lake for almost a year now!

It is believed that the species of otters live in the park smooth-coated otters, or Lutrogale perspicillata, which are a classified as ‘endangered’ on the IUCN Red List.

This species of otters are also listed as Totally Protected Wildlife under the Malaysian Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.

How did our furry friends end up in Kepong? We cannot tell for sure as these otters are are usually found in mangrove forests in Malaysia, so their presence in an urban lake comes as a surprise to many.

Speculations are that these creatures probably escaped domestic captivity or were released into the lake by wild life traffickers.
Selayang MP William Leong told Malay Mail that he would strive to protect the animals and welcomed collaboration with NGOs on conservation efforts.
 
Meanwhile, Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng informed the news site that he is already in talks with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan to form a special team to look into protecting the endangered animals.
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