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Otters and humans have coexisted in Singapore for a while now.

The little four-legged critters visit estates for koi fish, roam around MRT stations and swim in the canals.

They have been spotted in hospitals too.

On Feb. 28, Mothership reader Azlina Ibrahim spotted three otters scampering around KK Women and Children's Hospital (KKH) after visiting hours.

Romping around

In the videos submitted by Azlina, the three otters can be seen roaming around the B1 level of KKH Women's Tower at 11:47pm.

This was the second night she saw the otters at the hospital.

On the first night, she saw them swimming around in the pond, but they left quickly.

Speaking to Mothership, she noted that the second sighting lasted about five to 10 minutes.

The otters entered through the basement pick-up and drop-off point at the Women's Tower and the creatures then went to explore the fish pond.

They were leisurely swimming and no fish were harmed.

One of the otters was seen leaping over a ledge and joining its counterparts in exploring the pond.

After a few minutes, they ventured to the vending machines in the Women's Tower.

Two of them darted past the vending machines, while one paused to examine a carpeted area.

The one left behind then hurried to catch up as they explored the rest of the floor.

According to Azlina, the three otters were later chased out by a male passer-by.

They scampered out of the building, slinking through the gaps in the metal barricades to make their way out.

She shared that the passers-by were surprised by the otters, but were not scared of the animals as the otters did not venture close to them and were simply "minding their own business".

All about otters

According to NParks, the smooth-coated otters spotted in the video are one of the two otter species found in Singapore, and the biggest in Southeast Asia.

Otters are playful and highly social creatures that use smells and calls to communicate.

They have webbed paws that are highly adapted for swimming, and like to swim in a pack of four to 12 when looking for fish.

While previously listed as "critically endangered" in Singapore, the smooth-coated otters were recently reclassified as "endangered" by the Singapore Red List, and individuals are most regularly seen at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and have been seen there since 1990s.

Sightings have been reported increasingly over the years in Pulau Ubin, Western Catchment Area and Changi as well.

There have been recent sightings in many other places, some where they are definitely residents, such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and others where they may only have been passing by, such as at the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

What to do if you encounter otters

NParks advises the public not to touch, chase or corner the otters when encountered.

Observe them from a distance, as going too close to the otters may frighten them.

Refrain from talking loudly and using flash photography as the noise and light may scare and provoke the otters.

Do not litter, and do not feed them as they have their own food in the environment.

Their natural eating habits keep the ecosystem healthy.

Dogs should be kept on a tight leash to keep from frightening the otters, and to keep the dog safe.

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All media via Azlina Ibrahim.