How Dangerous is an Otter Bite That Made Hotman Paris Rushed to a Hospital in Singapore?

Kapanlagi.com - Otters, animals often considered cute and adorable, actually hold potential dangers that should not be underestimated. Many people are fascinated and keep them as pets, but recently, a shocking incident occurred involving the famous lawyer, Hotman Paris Hutapea.

Hotman Paris had to be rushed to a hospital in Singapore after experiencing health issues suspected to be caused by a bite from his pet otter. This incident has raised many questions among the public: How serious is the impact of this animal's bite? Is it just a minor injury, or can it be fatal?

The incident involving Hotman has opened a broader discussion about the risks of keeping wild animals as pets. Although otters appear tame, their natural survival instincts can lead them to attack at any time, especially if they feel threatened. Here is the complete chronology of the incident involving Hotman Paris, the dangers of otter bites, and the risk of diseases that can be transmitted.

1. Chronology of the Otter Bite Incident Involving Hotman Paris

On the bright morning of February 8, Hotman Paris was enjoying a relaxing moment with his pet otters in the swimming pool. However, the peaceful atmosphere suddenly turned into a nightmare when one of his otters bit Hotman's hand quite seriously. Not wanting to risk infection, he immediately got a tetanus shot.

"The incident started on the eighth in the morning; I was swimming with the otters at 4 AM, but one of my pet otters bit my hand," said Hotman Paris in his post, quoted on Tuesday (25/2/2025).

Despite this, Hotman's spirit did not wane; he continued his busy activities, including a trip to the Capital City of Nusantara and Balikpapan. However, the high mobility only worsened his condition, and on February 20, he fainted while attending a defamation trial.

With his condition deteriorating, Hotman decided to seek treatment in Singapore on February 21, admitting that the fatigue following the otter bite had worsened his health.

2. Why Can Otter Bites Be Dangerous?

Although otters are often viewed as calm and non-aggressive creatures, they actually possess a very strong survival instinct. Their teeth, which continuously grow and are coated with thick enamel, serve not only for biting and tearing but also for felling trees and building dams in their habitat.

Unfortunately, their bite strength should not be underestimated; in 2013, a man in Belarus lost his life after his thigh artery was severed by a wild otter while he was trying to take a photo. This incident reminds us that although they may seem tame, otters can become very aggressive if they feel threatened.

With strong jaws, they are also capable of chewing hard foods like chicken heads and crab shells, so when they bite humans, the resulting wounds can be very deep and carry a high risk of infection.

3. Disease Risks That Can Be Transmitted from Beaver Bites

Beaver bites may seem trivial, but the risks lurking behind them can be quite terrifying. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these mammals can carry the deadly rabies virus if not vaccinated.

Rabies, which attacks the central nervous system, has a very high mortality rate if not treated quickly. In addition to rabies, wounds from beaver bites can also pave the way for other dangerous infections such as tularemia and leptospirosis, as well as various bacteria that can trigger serious inflammation.

If not treated promptly, these wounds can potentially develop secondary infections that can add complications. Therefore, for owners of exotic animals like beavers, vaccination and regular health check-ups by a veterinarian are important steps to ensure the safety of both the pets and themselves.

4. Can Otters Be Kept as Pets?

Taking care of otters is not a trivial task; they require a large space to swim and the maintenance costs can be astronomical, such as in Japan where water expenses can reach over 100,000 yen (around Rp11 million) every month!

Besides financial challenges, the trade of otters as pets also poses a serious threat to their populations in the wild. Since 2019, cross-border trade for this species has been banned to ensure their survival.

Experts agree that otters should be left free in their habitat, as if not properly cared for, they can experience stress, become hard to tame, and even display aggressive behavior.

5. FAQ

1. Can an otter bite cause rabies?

Yes, unvaccinated otters can carry the rabies virus that can be transmitted to humans through bites.

2. What should you do if bitten by an otter?

Immediately clean the wound with running water and antiseptic soap, then seek medical attention to avoid infection.

3. Are otters aggressive animals?

Otters are generally not aggressive, but they can attack if they feel threatened or are in a stressful situation.

4. Are otters suitable to be kept at home?

Not recommended. Otters require a special environment and expensive care, and they are at risk of becoming aggressive.

(kpl/rmt)