Wildlife enthusiast Terry Chettle captured a unique encounter between a green heron and a river otter at the Grimsby Wetlands in early August. The otter’s playful behavior towards the heron surprised both Chettle and the bird. Despite otters being uncommon in the area, Chettle managed to photograph the otter as it posed on a log, sticking its tongue out and waving.
During the same outing, Bruce and Laurie Mackenzie, while walking in the wetland, were introduced to the otter by Chettle. Bruce Mackenzie acknowledged the rarity of the sighting, stating it was the first such sighting near the wetlands in recent memory. The wetlands, once a sewage storage area for the Niagara Region, are now managed by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, covering approximately 12 hectares on Lake Ontario’s South Shore. Mackenzie, who works with the club, highlighted the significance of the otter sighting in showcasing successful habitat restoration and improved water quality, noting previous rare species sightings like least bitterns.
Otters have become a conservation success story in the region, with Laura Timms of Credit Valley Conservation emphasizing their resurgence in the area. The conservation authority, responsible for overseeing the Credit River watershed, published an article in 2025 detailing the comeback of river otters. Timms noted a noticeable increase in documented otter sightings over the years, including recent sightings at conservation areas where some otters have given birth.
While river otter populations faced a decline in the 1800s due to various factors, efforts to restore degraded environments have led to a rebound in populations across North America. Timms stressed the importance of ongoing conservation efforts to protect biodiversity and habitats, highlighting the vital role wetlands play in supporting a diverse range of species, storing carbon, and preventing flooding.
River otters, capable of growing up to 1.4 meters in length and weighing between five to 14 kilograms, are carnivorous creatures that inhabit rivers, lakes, and creeks. They feed on fish, clams, insects, and other aquatic animals, contributing to the ecosystem’s balance. Timms emphasized the need to focus on restoring and safeguarding habitats to ensure the thriving of all species and to witness more success stories in conservation similar to the resurgence of otter populations.