An otter that was rescued in Jaraguá do Sul, located in northern Santa Catarina, has garnered attention due to its unusual behavior of approaching and interacting with rescue workers. Biólogo Christian Raboch noted that the otter's level of interaction indicates it may have been accustomed to human contact. The rescue took place at around 9 PM on Sunday, October 8, in the Nereu Ramos neighborhood, where the otter was spotted engaging playfully with the volunteers from the local fire department.

Videos shared by the rescue team depict the otter rolling onto its back, playfully interacting with the responders, and even mimicking a bite on one of their feet. In another clip, the animal lays next to the biologist and appears to enjoy gentle petting, showcasing a level of comfort with humans typically not seen in wild animals. Such behavior raises concerns about the welfare of the otter and emphasizes the potential dangers of habituation to human presence.

After its rescue, the otter was taken for a veterinary assessment to check for any injuries or health issues. Moving forward, the expectation is for the otter to be transferred to the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wild Animals (Cetas) in Florianópolis, where it will undergo a rehabilitation period aimed at reintegrating it into its natural habitat. This case highlights the importance of wildlife rescue efforts and the complexities involved when animals exhibit unusual behaviors due to prior human interaction.