Practicing responsible and safe “otter etiquette”
Cape Clawless Otter. Bettys Bay. Image by Grant Hillebrand
If you see an otter or an otter sees you or tries to interact with you, please move away from it. Give the otter a large area and keep a safe distance while taking photos and enjoying the privileged moment. This is for the sake of the otter and for preserving our wildlife.
One of the extraordinary things about living near Table Mountain National Park and the Marine Protected Area is seeing wild animals in their natural environment. One remarkable species is the Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis). Otters are curious, clever, and perfectly adapted to freshwater and marine habitats.
They feed primarily in aquatic habitats while breeding and resting on land. On the Cape peninsula, otters frequently occur in urbanized environments with freshwater sources adjacent to the marine protected area. They rely on freshwater for their survival. They feed on various species, from freshwater crabs and fish to marine west coast rock lobsters and shy sharks.
This generation of otters seems to have found a way to adapt to urban environments, which may explain why we see them more often. The main threats facing otters on the Cape peninsula are the loss of habitat, being killed by cars and dogs and pollution. Negative human interactions could also threaten them. Some otters are shy and stay away from people, while others are bolder and approach people.
Cape Peninsula residents are reporting this bold behaviour more frequently. Currently, the vast majority of interactions have been reported as positive encounters. However, a few people have been bitten by otters. As guardians of this unique species, we all must do our utmost to keep these encounters positive for humans and animals.
SANParks would like to take the opportunity to remind residents of some “otter etiquette” so that we can limit any negative urban wildlife conflict. Otters are wild animals and need to be treated as such. They are bold, curious animals and this behaviour should not be misunderstood as friendliness or wanting to “play” with people. Misinterpreting this behaviour can end in a nip or bite, and these bites can cause significant injury.
It is a privilege to regularly observe diverse wildlife, including baboons, Cape clawless otters, caracals, seals, African penguins and dassies. Let us work together to protect our wild animals and keep them wild by keeping our distance and not feeding or touching them. Please help us by practicing responsible and safe “Otter Etiquette” and raising awareness by sharing this message.
For any queries or to report sightings, please email: [email protected]
Otter sign at Dalebrook, Cape Town. Image: Courtesy, City of Cape Town
