Otterly fearless: Romp of otters face off crocodile in Sungei Buloh

Mr Dan Walsh, a 50-year-old trading systems manager, described the showdown between the otters and crocodile as “an incredible encounter to witness”.

“This is certainly the most active wild encounter I’ve witnessed involving crocodiles,” he told ST.

“Before the encounter, the otters appeared aware of the crocodile’s presence on the bank and were alert as a group. During the interaction, they approached cautiously and engaged in investigative behaviour rather than a direct attack, maintaining close formation while assessing the potential threat,” said Mr Walsh.

“The crocodile was clearly defensive, holding its ground with its mouth open as a warning to anything that came within range. It eventually retreated into the water from the sandy bank, after which the otters disengaged and moved off together, returning to normal activity.”

Mr Walsh, who has been photographing wildlife for 35 years, partakes in his hobby on most weekends, with Sungei Buloh being a favourite location owing to its rich biodiversity.

“As a wildlife photographer, these moments are always special, offering a rare glimpse into natural behaviour and how different species interact in the wild. My focus at the time was simply on observing and documenting the scene as it unfolded,” he said.

The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is home to mainland Singapore’s largest mangrove forest, and serves as an important site for migratory birds.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF-Singapore), the reserve is home to over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, including many vulnerable and globally critically endangered species.