They are known as “anjing laut,” the Malay word for “sea dogs,” in neighboring Sandakan, Sabah, according to Tawi-tawi residents who occasionally visit that part of Malaysia. But on Tawi-tawi’s Taganak Island, where the sea creatures have been seen for the first time toward the end of Ramadan last month, the smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) appeared skittish and would quickly rush back to the sea whenever dogs approached. The island’s dogs, however, seemed afraid of these visitors from the sea.

Alipala, J. (2020, June 3). Otters find new playground on island in Tawi-Tawi. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A10.