A river otter recently spotted in the San Joaquin River is a sign of improving habitat and a healthier ecosystem, according to the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. (Courtesy of River Parkway Trust)
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A river otter has been spotted in the San Joaquin River where Fresno conservation officials say the animals have only recently begun appearing again.
The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust posted about the sighting on social media Wednesday, saying river otters are top predators in river ecosystems and can indicate a healthy environment.
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Sharon Weaver, executive director of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, told GV Wire that otters have not been present in the area in the recent past but have started appearing near Sycamore Island.
North American river otters are considered an indicator species, meaning their presence can be a sign of good water quality, according to American Rivers. Otters are also near the top of the food chain, making their populations sensitive to broader changes affecting the animals they prey on.
She pointed to habitat improvements along the San Joaquin River, including efforts to improve conditions for salmon and strengthen the broader ecosystem.
“If you build it, they will come,” Weaver said.
Weaver said that as habitat becomes healthier, species begin showing up again. She said top predators can only survive when the ecosystem supporting them is healthy and thriving.
The appearance of river otters, she said, shows that something along the river is going right.
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