Otters Get the Zoomies, Too

Photo by Dariusz Dryl, via IUCN SSC Otter Specialist Group - they write:

The recovery of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) across Europe, although slow and not uniform in the region, is a great success story 💕

In the early 1900s, Eurasian otters suffered massive declines across the continent due to hunting, habitat destruction and pollution. Now, things are turning around for Eurasian otters, after the introduction of legal protection and banning of water pollutants in most of Europe in the 1990s 🙌

This Eurasian otter, photographed racing across a wintery wetland in Poland by Dariusz Dryl is an inspiring example of how species on the brink can make a comeback 🇵🇱

Thanks to improved water quality, stronger environmental protection, and dedicated conservation efforts supported by expert guidance, otter populations have rebounded in Poland significantly – and this has also been seen across Europe 🌍

This success shows what’s possible when science, policy, and passion come together. But the work isn’t over — continued protection of wetlands and waterways is essential to ensure these incredible animals keep thriving for generations to come ✨️