Wildlife enthusiast Terry Chettle had a surprising encounter while photographing a green heron at the Grimsby Wetlands in early August. An unexpected river otter appeared, playfully engaging with the heron, much to Chettle’s amazement. Noting the rarity of otters in the area, Chettle captured the otter’s antics on camera as it showcased some playful behavior.

During the same outing, Bruce and Laurie Mackenzie crossed paths with Chettle at the wetland, where he pointed out the unusual otter sighting. Bruce Mackenzie acknowledged the rarity of the find, mentioning that such sightings near the wetlands had been scarce in recent memory. The Grimsby Wetlands, covering approximately 12 hectares on Lake Ontario’s South Shore, is now managed by the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, offering a popular destination for hiking and bird-watching enthusiasts.

The appearance of the otter is a positive sign of habitat restoration and improved water quality, according to Mackenzie. Notably, the wetlands have been home to other rare species like least bitterns, indicating the success of conservation efforts in the region.

Laura Timms, a program manager at Credit Valley Conservation, highlighted the resurgence of river otters in the area as a conservation success story. The authority’s publication in 2025 documented the comeback of otters in the Credit River watershed, signaling a positive trend in their population growth. Timms emphasized that efforts to revitalize degraded environments have led to the recovery of otter populations and benefited various species.

While otters have made a remarkable comeback, Timms stressed the importance of continuing efforts to enhance biodiversity by restoring and safeguarding habitats. Wetlands, in particular, play a crucial role in supporting diverse species, storing carbon, and preventing flooding. By focusing on habitat preservation, conservationists aim to create more success stories like the resurgence of otters in the region.