In a time period where it is becoming seemingly more difficult to find sources of happiness and positivity, a river otter sighting in the Detroit river has got nature conservationists and environmentalists alike beaming with hope.
Last week, a marine ecologist studying at Windsor University by the name of Eric Ste Marie spotted what seemed to be a large furry animal that had a distinct brownish color. Originally expecting it to be a mink or a beaver, semi-aquatic animals that are often more commonly seen in the river, Eric along with his companion immediately found out that the mammal was too large to be either of their previous thoughts.
River otters can grow up to 30 pounds and reach a length of three feet, as reported by CNN. They are widely found across North America, although they have recently been grabbing headlines for their endangerment of survival due to loss of habitat and the fur trade, sparked over four centuries ago in the 1600s.
Local experts confirmed that it was the first time in over a century that a river otter was spotted swimming in the Detroit river. The river, which has been the central focus for environmental cleanup as of late, had for decades been polluted with excess amounts of trash and oil. River otters making appearances in the river indicate that the quality of the river has improved substantially.
Whatever the case is, a rare river otter sighting is sure to give at least a small sign of happiness in a time of troubling events.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/07/us/river-otter-detroit-river-scn-trnd/index.html
Image Credits: https://www.americanrivers.org/2021/10/north-american-river-otters-bellwethers-of-freshwater-habit-change/
