River otter spotted in the Bronx for first time in 100 years — and why it’s worth celebrating: ‘A gift’

"This otter's return is a gift, not just to the Bronx River but to the communities that have fought for 50 years to bring this river back to life," said Javier Lopez, Interim Executive Director of the Bronx River Alliance.

Image captured in early June shows animal foraging in the waterway in first since early 1900s, signaling its recovery An otter has been spotted in the Bronx River for the first time in more than 100 years, in a further sign that New York’s previously befouled waterways are recovering some of their ecological health. T

Officials say the discovery is evidence that conservation and restoration work is bringing the urban river back to life after years of pollution and habitat degradation.