Sightings of an otter in Ripon Canal, have provided a silver lining to a lockdown summer overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic. The animal recently featured on social media and recorded at play in the canal.

Jonny Hart-Woods, the Canal and River Trust’s senior environmental specialist for Yorkshire and the North East, told the Stray Ferret:

“The great news is that improvements in water quality brought about by environmental legislation, have seen increased fish stocks and when the right conditions come together wildlife will return.”

Sightings remain rare, but Mr Hart-Woods pointed out:

For the European otter, the dish of choice for most days is salmon or sea trout and the rivers and canals, where these fish are in plentiful supply,  provide the ideal habitat for this large top of the food chain predator.

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In addition to water quality improvements, the work of the Canal and River Trust in maintaining bankside trees and bushes and looking after adjacent wetland areas, has created an environment that has attracted birds and other creatures that feature in a hungry otter’s daily diet.

Sadly the otters are also vulnerable to being killed by cars with one recently killed on the Boroughbridge road.

Mr Hart-Woods said:

“Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for otters to be killed or injured while crossing a road. While it is sad, people who are thrilled by the thought of one day seeing these incredible creatures, can take heart in the knowledge that the otter population in the river Ure catchment is increasing.”