Wildlife enthusiast Terry Chettle captured an intriguing moment at Grimsby Wetlands in early August while photographing a green heron. A river otter unexpectedly appeared and engaged in playful antics with the heron, surprising both Chettle and the bird. Chettle, a resident of Beamsville, Ont., expressed astonishment at the otter’s presence, as they are rare in the area. Seizing the opportunity, Chettle photographed the otter as it moved to a log and began grooming itself, even striking a pose for the camera.
During the same outing, Bruce and Laurie Mackenzie encountered Chettle while exploring the wetland. Chettle pointed out the otter to the Mackenzies, with Bruce acknowledging the rarity of the sighting. According to Bruce Mackenzie, the August 3 sighting marked the first known otter appearance near the wetlands in recent history. Subsequently, there have been no reported sightings of the otter since that particular weekend.
Managed by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, the wetlands encompass approximately 12 hectares along Lake Ontario’s South Shore. Mackenzie, who is involved with the naturalists club as the wetlands’ project manager, highlighted the significance of the otter sighting as a positive indication of habitat restoration and water quality. The wetlands have previously attracted rare species such as least bitterns, contributing to its reputation as a favored destination for hiking and bird-watching.
The resurgence of river otters in the Golden Horseshoe region signifies a conservation success story, as affirmed by Laura Timms, a program manager at Credit Valley Conservation. The conservation authority, which oversees the Credit River watershed covering parts of Mississauga and Peel Region, documented the comeback of river otters in the area in a 2025 publication. Timms noted a notable increase in otter sightings, contrasting with a time when otters were frequently mistaken for minks due to their scarcity.
Historically, river otter populations dwindled in the 1800s due to hunting, environmental pollution, and habitat destruction. However, concerted efforts over the years have facilitated the recovery of otter populations in North America. The rebound of otters reflects broader environmental improvements resulting from ongoing initiatives to restore degraded ecosystems into thriving habitats for all species.
While celebrating the return of otters, Timms emphasized the need for continued efforts to enhance biodiversity. River otters, which can grow up to 1.4 meters in length and weigh between five to 14 kilograms, play a vital role in aquatic ecosystems by hunting fish, clams, and insects. Timms underscored the importance of preserving wetlands and other habitats to support diverse species, store carbon, and mitigate flooding, urging ongoing conservation actions to safeguard wildlife and foster more success stories akin to the otter resurgence.