An opportunistic otter that is preying on koi in a unique downtown Vancouver garden has eaten at least three more of the large fish and continues to evade efforts to trap and remove it.

The Vancouver Park Board confirms on social media that the otter, which moved into the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden just over a week ago, is still on the loose and several more of the garden鈥檚 14 prized koi have disappeared since Friday.

It鈥檚 now estimated that 10 of the valuable fish, prized for their longevity, size and unique markings, have been eaten.

Over the weekend, park board staff from the network of ponds in the garden at the edge of Vancouver鈥檚 Chinatown district, but were only able to capture one.

The park board says it鈥檚 now being cared for at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Further information is expected to be released about attempts to snare and relocate the otter to the Fraser Valley.

The Canadian Press

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