Bronx, New York – A camera installed near the Bronx River has captured a clear image of a juvenile North American river otter at the Bronx Zoo, marking the first confirmed otter sighting there since the early 1900s, according to wildlife researcher RJ Hawkins.

Discovery and verification

Hawkins, who monitors the camera’s footage, said the initial photo showed only the animal’s backside, prompting caution before announcing a “boy who cried river otter.” After a closer review, he confirmed the animal’s species and age, describing it as likely a young otter.

Significance for the local ecosystem

Hawkins explained that river otters are among the last wildlife to return to an area once its freshwater habitat has recovered. Their presence, he said, reflects the cumulative efforts of the city, community volunteers, and nonprofit groups to improve water quality and restore natural habitats along the Bronx River.

“Seeing an otter here tells us the hard work is paying off,” Hawkins added. “If the otter continues to return, it will be a strong indicator that the ecosystem is healthy. If not, we may need to reassess our restoration strategies.”

Other wildlife documented

The same camera, installed about two years ago, has recorded a variety of birds and even a coyote in the Bronx River corridor. Last year, Hawkins noted a historic sighting of a North American beaver—the first beaver observed in the Bronx County section of the river in seven years.

Broader context

River otters can also be seen at the Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn, but their appearance in the Bronx is especially noteworthy because it suggests a broader regional improvement in waterway health. Conservationists view such sightings as benchmarks for the success of urban environmental projects.

While the otter’s sex remains undetermined without a closer examination, Hawkins hopes the animal will make repeat appearances, providing ongoing data for wildlife managers.

Community involvement

Local residents and schools have participated in river clean‑up events and educational programs aimed at protecting the Bronx River. These grassroots efforts, combined with municipal investment in green infrastructure, have contributed to the conditions that allow species like the river otter to thrive once again.

Hawkins encourages anyone who spots the otter—or any other wildlife along the river—to report the sighting to the Bronx Zoo’s wildlife monitoring team, helping to build a clearer picture of the ecosystem’s recovery.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.