Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

River Otter Returns to Bronx River After a Century; Public Can Help Name It

A North American river otter has been spotted in New York City's Bronx River, marking the first sighting of the species there in 100 years. Conservationists are now seeking public input to name the animal.

The Bronx River Alliance and Bronx Zoo are proposing three names—Nessie, Ruthie, and Morgan—in honor of community advocates. The public can vote for their preferred name via Instagram until September 29.

The otter was first photographed on June 23 by a wildlife camera set up by biologist R.J. Hawkins as part of monitoring efforts. Experts from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Wildlife Conservation Society confirmed it was a river otter.

The single photograph, taken by a camera trap, shows the rear of the animal and does not reveal its head clearly, making it difficult to determine its sex or other details. This sighting is significant as it suggests a potential recovery of the Bronx River ecosystem.

Historically, the Bronx River was heavily polluted with industrial waste and debris. However, extensive cleanup efforts over the past 50 years appear to be yielding positive results, with river otters considered an indicator of freshwater ecosystem health.

The return of the river otter follows the earlier reappearance of beavers and the recent sighting of an American mink, both also indicators of improved freshwater ecosystem health. These reappearances are seen as a testament to nature's resilience when given a chance to recover.

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