Wildlife enthusiast Terry Chettle captured a remarkable moment at the Grimsby Wetlands in early August while photographing a green heron, as he and the bird were unexpectedly joined by a playful river otter. Chettle, a resident of Beamsville, Ontario, expressed surprise at the otter’s appearance, as they are not commonly seen in the area. He managed to snap a photo of the otter as it moved to a log to groom itself, putting on a delightful display that included sticking out its tongue and waving.
During the same outing, Bruce and Laurie Mackenzie encountered Chettle at the wetland. Chettle pointed out the otter to them, and Bruce Mackenzie acknowledged the rarity of the sighting, mentioning that it was possibly the first otter sighting near the wetlands in recent memory. He indicated that no one else had reported seeing the otter since that particular weekend. The wetlands, covering approximately 12 hectares on Lake Ontario’s South Shore and managed by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, have undergone habitat restoration and water quality improvements, attracting diverse wildlife. Bruce Mackenzie, who is involved with the naturalists club as a project manager for the wetlands, highlighted the significance of spotting rare species like otters in the area.
Laura Timms, a program manager in natural heritage management at Credit Valley Conservation, emphasized the positive conservation efforts that have led to the resurgence of river otters in the region. The Credit Valley Conservation authority, responsible for overseeing the Credit River watershed, published an article in 2025 documenting the comeback of river otters in the area. Timms noted a noticeable increase in documented otter sightings compared to a decade ago, attributing this to the successful restoration of degraded environments that now support a variety of species.
River otter populations faced a decline in the 1800s due to factors such as hunting, habitat destruction, and poor water quality. However, concerted conservation efforts have led to a resurgence of otter populations in North America. Timms stressed the importance of ongoing habitat restoration to support biodiversity and ensure the success of conservation initiatives for various species, such as the river otter.
River otters, which can grow up to 1.4 meters in length and weigh between five to 14 kilograms, are carnivorous creatures that inhabit rivers, lakes, and creeks. They feed on fish, clams, insects, and other aquatic animals while also constructing dens in their habitats. Timms highlighted the significance of protecting wetlands and other habitats to promote biodiversity, store carbon, and mitigate flooding risks, underscoring the need for continued conservation efforts to safeguard ecosystems and support the thriving of various species, including the river otter.