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Otter Family Spotted: Wildlife Fans Flock to River Aire
27 Feb
Summary
- A family of three otters, named Otto, Ophelia, and Oscar, has been observed.
- Wildlife experts advise visitors not to feed or disturb the otters.
- Otters are protected in the UK and are making a comeback in urban areas.
Wildlife enthusiasts are gathering along the River Aire and Leeds & Liverpool Canal, near Shipley and Saltaire, to catch a glimpse of a recently spotted otter family. Named Otto, Ophelia, and Oscar, at least three of these normally elusive mammals have been seen in recent weeks.
Sharron Bright from the Canal & River Trust is assisting the public in observing the otters without disturbance. She emphasizes the importance of respecting the animals' space and provides tips, such as following bubble trails underwater to predict re-emergence points. Visitors are urged not to feed the otters and to keep dogs leashed.
These sightings represent a notable conservation achievement. The Eurasian Otter, Europe's sole otter species, experienced severe declines in the 1950s, becoming restricted to limited areas.
Through efforts like banning harmful pesticides, waterway cleanup, and legal protections, otters have successfully repopulated most of mainland Britain and are increasingly returning to urban environments. The Canal & River Trust conducts annual otter surveys, with plans to expand this citizen science initiative to Yorkshire in 2027. Otters are fully protected under UK law, with illegal disturbance carrying penalties.
