A group of smooth-coated otters were captured on video as they swam through a canal in Balestier today (August 2).

According to Mothership reader Kenna Duque, the otters were spotted near the bus stop opposite Trellis Towers, in the canal beside Jalan Dusun around 1pm.

Here's a GIF of the otters:

Enjoying our clean waterways

When native otters lost their original habitats in the 1960s, the polluted waters in Singapore led to dwindling numbers of the otter population.

Once Singapore started to clean up its rivers, otters started to re-establish themselves locally, and their presence in our city brought a lot of attention.

Today, it is not uncommon to hear of sightings of otters in our urban areas, and even tourist hotspots, such as Merlion Park and Marina Bay.

Here are some videos and photos of the adorable family, who can be seen exhibiting their strong swimming skills as they gracefully swim through the waters, while making their squeaky calls:

What to do when you spot otters

According to an advisory by National Parks Board, here's what you can do to if you spot an otter:

• Observe them from a distance as getting too close to the otters may frighten them.
• Avoid flash photography and startling them by talking too loudly.
• Don't feed the offers as they can find their own food and they help to keep natural ecosystems healthy.
• Keep our waterways clean so that they are clean and safe for otters.
• Keep your dog on a tight leash as dogs might chase after the otters and frighten them.

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Top images by Kenna Duque