North American river otter returns to the Bronx River after 100 years, indicating healthy water quality
In addition to the awesome sighting, the otter's presence also strongly indicates healthy water conditions, since the animals are highly sensitive to heavy pollution and poor water quality.
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THE TAKEAWAY
- The North American river otter returns to the Bronx River after 100 years.
- The return of North American river otters indicates healthy water conditions.
- These animals were common here until pollution and other factors pushed them away.
BRONX, New York – An astonishing discovery has been made in the New York City area as officials of the Bronx Zoo announce the sighting of a North American river otter along the Bronx River for the first time in 100 years.
Images shared by local scientist RJ Hawkins show the cute creature scurrying along the Bronx River, where it was once a common sight until it disappeared due to pollution, habitat loss and unregulated trapping.
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In addition to the awesome sighting, it also strongly indicates healthy water conditions, since river otters are highly sensitive to heavy pollution and poor water quality.
North American river otter found along Bronx River for the first time in 100 years.
River otters are apex predators that bioaccumulate contaminants primarily through their diet, ingesting them faster than they can break down toxic substances found in food and water.
These unsafe environmental conditions can cause animals to disappear from an area completely, as river otters haven’t been seen in this region since the early 1900s.
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COLORADO RIVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 15: An American River Otter eats along the banks on the Ruby HorseThief stretch of the Colorado River west of Grand Junction on September 15, 2015 near Fruita, Colorado.
(Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post / Getty Images)
"Today they are considered indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems because they depend on clean water, abundant fish, and intact aquatic habitats," the Bronx Zoo said.
In addition, these animals eat some of the same foods as humans, such as oysters and clams.
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WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 28:A North American River Otter enjoys a frozen meat treat Tuesday August 28, 2012 in Washington, DC.
(Katherine Frey/The Washington Post / Getty Images)
By studying their diet within local waters, we can learn what parasites, pathogens and pollutants these food sources might carry that not only impact these animals, but also people.
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This strongly indicates that conditions along the Bronx River are steadily improving.