The last time a river otter appeared in New York's Bronx River was in the early 1900s, more than 100 years ago. Since then, trapping and hunting, as well as intense pollution, drove these playful, social animals to become locally extinct.
Now, however, a scientist with the Bronx Zoo has taken photos of
a river otter appearing in the Bronx River for the first time in a century! This is thanks to amazing conservation efforts in New York - but we can't stop here.
One river otter alone is a great sign, but we need to keep conservation efforts going strong to ensure the full return of this species. Sign the petition to demand that New York officials finally ban the trapping and killing of otters, and to continue funding conservation projects!The rivers of New York used to be full of otters, carrying their little favorite rock friends, holding hands, and generally milling around. But
trappers value otters for the fur that they can peel off their dead bodies, and factories ignored the pollution they were pumping out into the waterways. Slaughterhouses also dumped copious amounts of chemicals, nitrates, and animal blood directly into the river. Then untreated sewage and people's cast-off trash items - even tires and household appliances - joined in this toxic mix. Ultimately, the river became too foul and sick to support many species, including otters and oysters.
Because of tireless conservation work, the river's health is finally improving. Beavers are back after 200 years of localized extinction. Oysters, too. And now, the very first otter.
This path of progress can only continue if New York officials keep funding for conservation efforts going strong - and if they add increased protections for otters from hunting. There is no reason to continue to allow the
trapping and killing of otters. In fact, most modern-day otter hunting is for 'recreational' purposes, meaning 'just for fun.'
Sign the petition to demand that New York authorities specifically protect and safeguard otters, by banning people from hunting them, and by continuing to allocate funds for wildlife conservation! 