A woman has been hospitalised after a gang of vicious otters tore at her skin while she was on a run.
The bevy of eight hungry beasts charged through the Tanjung Aru Recreation Park looking for food in Sabah, Malaysia, on September 11.
They spotted the middle-aged woman and surrounded her while plunging their shark teeth into her legs – piercing her pink Lycra fitness leggings.
She was pictured sitting on a kerb in tears with several deep wounds across her shins. Her arms and legs were covered in blood.
Chilling footage shows the same ferocious otters running across the parking space where they were seen moments after attacking the woman.
The shaken jogger was taken to a nearby hospital while a wildlife team was sent to the park to monitor the otters.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Roland Oliver Niun said: ‘Preliminary investigations found that a group of otters entered the recreation centre to look for food in the park pond.’
The otters spotted the middle-aged woman (pictured) and surrounded her while plunging their shark teeth into her legs – piercing her pink lycra fitness leggings
Chilling footage shows the same ferocious otters running across the parking space where they were seen moments after attacking the woman
She was hospitalised following the attack
The director added that wild otters have entered the pond area before, but the recent attack indicated a change in behaviour.
He said: ‘There is indeed a population of wild otters near the park, and we also see a change in the behaviour of the animals when the community feeds them.’
The fence around the park would be reinforced due to the incident.
Director Roland added: ‘We also ask the park manager to report if there is an otter sighting after the repairs are done.’
Park-goers were urged to avoid going near the fences and interacting with the animals to prevent conflicts with wildlife.
Previously, a male park-goer was also attacked by otters while walking around the area with his two friends. He was also hospitalised due to his injuries.
Otters are generally not aggressive toward humans but can become defensive or aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered, particularly when protecting their young or territory.
Conservationists, who are working to protect the otter population, said the creatures, may also show aggression toward each other or other animals, especially during mating season or when competing for food.