Friday October 2, 2026
GV Wire —
A river otter has been spotted in the San Joaquin River where Fresno conservation officials say the animals have only recently begun appearing again.
The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust posted about the sighting on social media Wednesday, saying river otters are top predators in river ecosystems and can indicate a healthy environment.
Sharon Weaver, executive director of the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, told GV Wire that otters have not been present in the area in the recent past but have started appearing near Sycamore Island.
North American river otters are considered an indicator species, meaning their presence can be a sign of good water quality, according to American Rivers. Otters are also near the top of the food chain, making their populations sensitive to broader changes affecting the animals they prey on.’