Long Island's waterways are buzzing with good news: river otters — long absent from the region — are returning in rising numbers, delighting scientists, volunteers, and wildlife lovers alike.
According to reporting from WSHU Public Radio, the semi-aquatic mammals were historically wiped out from local waters by unregulated trapping, pollution, and habitat loss.
However, recent surveys show these charismatic creatures are beginning to repopulate areas around Peconic Bay and the North Shore.
Otters are native to Long Island, but by the mid-1800s they had been largely lost. Early conservation efforts, including moratoriums on trapping and later reintroductions in western New York, helped rebuild populations north of the island — but until recently, they hadn't made a strong natural return here.
Now, long-term survey work suggests that otters are spreading on their own, likely moving across Long Island Sound from Connecticut and other nearby regions.
According to Mike Bottini of the Seatuck Environmental Association, the comeback isn't just anecdotal, WSHU reported. For more than a decade, volunteers have combed shorelines, monitored trail cameras, and logged signs like scat and fish remains to track otter activity. The latest results show a growing presence in known habitats and hints of expansion into new ones.
Support pets in need with these special-edition memory foam shoes BOBS from Skechers has helped over 2 million shelter pets around the world — and the charity program just announced this year’s Paws for a Cause design-winning sneakers. These "hound huggers" and "kitten kicks" sneakers are machine washable and equipped with memory foam insoles. Plus, they were designed by passionate students who were inspired by their very own rescue pets. BOBS from Skechers is also committed to donating half a million dollars to the Best Friends Animal Society this year to help every dog and cat experience the safety and support of a loving home. |
Otters are ecosystem engineers that help regulate fish and crustacean populations and signal improving water quality in rivers and estuaries, the National Environmental Education Foundation explained.
The otters' return mirrors other recent conservation wins, echoing success stories like the reintroduction of wild boreal toads in Colorado and the restoration of Atlantic sturgeon in Swedish rivers. Focused habitat protection and species management have helped animals return to landscapes they once vanished from.
The growing otter presence also increases community engagement, with more volunteers joining monitoring efforts, as well as participating in conversations about protecting wildlife corridors and culverts that let otters safely move between watersheds.
For residents who grew up without seeing otters, spotting one now can be a thrill. "They're a very charismatic species," Bottini told WSHU. "Otters are cool! People who aren't necessarily that interested in wildlife … get excited about otters being around in the area."
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
|
Which of these savings plans for rooftop solar panels would be most appealing for you?
Click your choice to see results and earn rewards to spend on home upgrades. |
Save $1,000 this year 💸 
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
