Otters returning to Wharfedale (From Wharfedale Observer)
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Otters returning to Wharfedale
7:10pm Friday 2nd November 2012 in News
Evidence has emerged to confirm otters are on their way back in Wharfedale.
A young animal was spotted by a resident as they drove along Denton Road in Ilkley last week. Unfortunately, the otter was dead, but it is another clear sign they are breeding locally.
The elusive species has been re-establishing itself in the area for some years now, following two or three decades of decline caused mainly by water pollution.
Wharfedale Naturalists says otters, and signs of their presence, are now spotted regularly at Otley Wetlands Nature Reserve. The animals are breeding successfully again along the River Wharfe.
A couple were spotted in the river near Otley Bridge during a cold snap in the winter of 2010/2011 and photo-graphed by readers.
